Representatives from the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, including Dr Kenneth Ashigbey and Senyo Hosi, have expressed urgent concerns to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources regarding the ongoing battle against illegal mining.
Their key requests include:
- An investigation into mining companies linked to politicians.
- The declaration of a state of emergency in nine forest reserves affected by illegal mining.
- Measures to address the security threats posed by galamsey operations.
- A probe into how illegal miners are acquiring firearms.
Political influence
Dr Ashigbey noted that the fight against illegal mining, often referred to as galamsey, is being weakened by the involvement of influential politicians.
He emphasized that holding these individuals accountable is crucial for the government’s success in combating illegal mining. “Unless these high-profile figures are brought to justice, the fight against galamsey will remain an uphill battle,” he stated.
Discussions
Dr Ashigbey also suggested convening an urgent roundtable discussion on galamsey to tackle its root causes, deliberate on potential solutions, and engage the public in the conversation. He underscored the importance of a collaborative approach that includes all stakeholders to effectively address this crisis.
Public Engagement
Reiterating the concerns raised, Senyo Hosi urged the Minister to act swiftly while promoting public involvement. “We need active participation, starting with monitoring the turbidity levels of our water bodies. Honest assessments and transparent communication are essential to keep the public informed and engaged,” he added.
Hosi reaffirmed the Coalition’s commitment, stating, “Our support is impartial—we stand for Ghana, not for any political party. We are fully dedicated to assisting the President in the fight against galamsey.”
However, he emphasized that the Coalition requires more information on ongoing efforts to effectively support the government and help the Ministry communicate progress to the public.
Government Actions
In response, the Minister welcomed the Coalition’s initiatives and praised their dedication to the cause. He outlined the government’s actions to combat illegal mining, including ongoing engagements with key stakeholders, equipment seizures, some arrests, and the reclamation of degraded forest reserves.
Additionally, Mr. Buah revealed forthcoming measures, such as the Blue Water Initiative, which involves the recruitment and training of River Guards and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative aimed at rehabilitating areas severely impacted by illegal mining, among other efforts. “To ensure a unified approach, the government plans to decentralize the fight against galamsey by involving regional security agency heads, District Chief Executives (DCEs), regional ministers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology. We cannot tackle this issue alone; we need everyone on board,” he stated.
Information Sharing
The Minister further disclosed that his team has gathered substantial information to address concerns regarding mining licenses. “A rigorous inspection regime will be implemented to review and revoke licenses for companies engaged in illegal activities. This process will help eliminate bad actors,” he remarked.
Mr Buah assured the Coalition of the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis but reiterated the need for collective support. “Help us, work with us, and give us the time and opportunity to deliver effective results,” he urged.
