Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has unveiled plans to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fight against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’.
Addressing the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani, Mahama emphasized the need for technological innovation to enhance monitoring and minimize environmental impact.
“We will introduce and encourage technological innovation to improve capacity for coordinated monitoring of the small-scale mining sector and reduce environmental impact,” he stated on Wednesday, May 15.
Mahama proposed the utilization of AI to identify small-scale mining and galamsey activities, monitor excavators, and establish geo-fences around concessions to prevent mining operations in unauthorized areas, including water bodies.
“This will include using AI to locate all small-scale mining and galamsey operations, track excavators, and geo-fence all concessions to ensure mining operations are not conducted in unapproved areas, including water bodies,” he explained.
This initiative aims to strengthen coordinated efforts in monitoring and regulating mining activities, promoting sustainable mining practices and environmental conservation.
