The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhiG) has attributed the surge in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, to political interference and influences from high-ranking officials.
According to the institute, people with high positions have been preventing the fight against galamsey, which has become a major issue.
GhiG in a statement categorised the activity into three groups which are illegal and irresponsible, legal but irresponsible, and legal and responsible.
However, the environmental degradation challenges facing the country, according to them are exacerbated by a lack of political will to address the issue, further complicated by political interference and influence from high-ranking officials seeking short-term political gain.
The institute also highlighted the compromise of traditional rulers and local authorities due to financial incentives from mining interests, as well as the lack of professional expertise in mining practices.
Additionally, GhiG pointed out the inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of state institutions, such as the Minerals Commission, EPA, Water Resources Commission, and Regional/District Assemblies, in enforcing laws and regulations.
As such, GhiG has proposed an approach to address the situation, with a ban on all small-scale mining in forest reserves and rivers, streams, and water bodies.
The institute also recommended a temporary six-month ban on all small-scale gold mining activities outside forest reserves, water bodies, and outside the 100m distance to water bodies to reset the system and implement necessary reforms.
The Institute further suggested a joint monitoring and evaluation team to be formed, comprising representatives from the Minerals Commission, EPA, and the District Security Committee.
The Institute believes this would restore the integrity of Ghana’s small-scale mining industry, and protect critical water bodies and forest reserves.
Click here to read the full statement by GhiG
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