The Minerals Commission of Ghana has expressed frustration over the lack of action from law enforcement in combating illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey. Speaking before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament on October 7, CEO Martin Ayisi emphasized that any mining in water bodies is illegal, yet no arrests have been made.
Ayisi highlighted a specific instance where illegal mining is occurring directly behind the Anyinam Police Station, with no intervention from security forces. This lack of action raises concerns about the effectiveness of efforts to combat galamsey.
Galamsey, derived from “gather them and sell,” refers to illegal small-scale gold mining in Ghana, often involving crude methods and resulting in environmental degradation and health risks. The practice is prevalent in southern Ghana, where substantial gold deposits are found.
The Minerals Commission has reported incidents of galamsey to the appropriate security agencies, but no action has been taken. Ayisi cited the example of Konongo, where the District Officer monitors operations and reports breaches, yet security forces fail to intervene.
Ayisi stressed that anyone mining in river bodies is committing an illegality, often operating at night to avoid detection. He urged the police to take proactive measures to address the issue.
The environmental impact of galamsey is severe, causing deforestation, water pollution, and mercury contamination. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has previously given galamsey operators an ultimatum to cease activities or face the law.
Despite efforts to combat galamsey, the practice persists, driven by socioeconomic factors and unemployment among Ghana’s youth. The government has launched initiatives like Operation Vanguard to tackle the issue.
However, the Minerals Commission’s concerns highlight the need for greater cooperation between law enforcement and regulatory agencies to effectively combat galamsey.
The commission’s call to action emphasizes the urgency of addressing the environmental and social consequences of galamsey, which affect not only local communities but also the country’s natural resources.
Effective collaboration and proactive measures are crucial in the fight against galamsey, and the Minerals Commission’s concerns must be addressed to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
