The National Communications Officer of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Osei Kofi Acquah, has emphasized the crucial role of local communities in combatting illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana. He argued that any successful intervention must actively involve residents of the small towns and villages affected by this pervasive issue.
In an interview with JoyNews’ Joseph Obeng, Mr. Acquah pointed out that numerous attempts to tackle the galamsey crisis have faltered largely due to the lack of engagement with those living in mining areas. He asserted that localized strategies are essential for meaningful progress in the fight against illegal mining.
“The only way to fight the galamsey menace is to introduce an initiative I call ‘See Something, Say Something,’” Mr. Acquah stated. “This initiative brings the fight against galamsey to the doorstep of the people. A cocoa farmer who visits their farm regularly should have access to a complaint center where they can report illegal activities to the district commander, crime officer, or even the Assemblyman or unit committee member.”
He highlighted the importance of enabling local individuals who frequently encounter galamsey operations to report suspicious activities effectively. “These are the people who come into direct contact with the galamseyers and witness the destruction of their lands and water bodies,” he explained. “It is time to localize the fight against illegal mining, as our current methods are not working.”
Mr. Acquah further suggested that the government should incorporate whistleblowers from affected areas into the new inter-ministerial task force established to combat illegal mining. “National security should deliberately recruit individuals within these communities to act as informants,” he urged. “These local informants can provide timely and accurate information to the police, leading to effective arrests of those engaging in illegal mining.”
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