Who Will Fight the Galamsey Monster?

By Sylvia Mensah @SylviaM48035368

Illegal mining – also known as ‘galamsey’ or artisanal small-scale mining – is one of the major problems facing Ghana today. Illegal mining is defined as mining operations in which miners without a license nor concession operate wildly within concessions of large-scale mining companies or in prohibited areas. It is estimated that about 85% of small-scale miners in the country are operating galamsey.

A survey shows that galamsey has had a significantly adverse impact in Ghana, ranging from revenue losses to the state (as illegal miners do not pay taxes) to pollution of important water bodies. The introduction of earth-moving equipment, and the use of harmful chemicals to operate in mining eventually is causing serious implication on the nation. Indocyanine green (ICG)-led research found that recovering lands and waterbodies destroyed by galamsey would cost the country an estimated US$250 million. Also, in March 2017 the Ghana Water Company warned that water pollution caused by illegal miners could force the country to import water for consumption in the near future.

The president of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo promised in 2017 to eradicate the problem. And yet five years later galamsey remains widespread and represent more than 30% of Ghana’s gold output. And reports continue to show how little or no development work is being done in areas where ‘galamsey’ is operating.

During a parliamentary hearing earlier this year, Ghana’s new Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor emphasized his determination to regulate the sector and protect the environment. Recently, the Asantehene announced that certain chiefs are involved in galamsey by giving miners licenses to operate in Ghana.

And yet, galamsey activities are on the rise. Policies made to fight against it have failed.

Many observers believe illegal mining flourishes in Ghana because it serves the interests of a wide range of powerful actors in society. Galamsey activities actually increase during election years, as was witnessed in 2016.

Where are the appropriate authorities to fight against galamsey and see to it that offenders who breach the law are dealt with? Despite President Akufo-Addo’s promises, problem persists.