The Association of Professional Development Communicators–Ghana (APDC-Ghana) has made a number of recommendations to address the illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) issue.
APDC Ghana said it had been monitoring the worsening illegal mining crisis which continues to harm communities and the environment.
It has also analyzed past government-led anti-galamsey campaigns such as Operation Vanguard, Operation Halt, Galamstop taskforce, monitoring efforts with drones and equipment seizures.
While these interventions demonstrated commitment, the groups aid, they ultimately provided only temporary relief and failed to address the root causes of illegal mining or offer sustainable economic alternatives.
In light of these limitations, APDC-Ghana recommends a multifaceted approach.
“Our proposed actions include: Conducting comprehensive research in Galamsey-affected areas to identify the socio-economic drivers of illegal mining.  Engaging the community through town hall meetings to gather insights and explore alternative livelihoods. Reassessing mining licenses to improve accountability and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Implementing an immediate halt to all small-scale mining activities to allow for the identification and proper assessment of all mining sites,” a statement they issued said.
APDC-Ghana further called for the immediate launch of a multi-stakeholder research project and the development of pilot programs based on findings to create sustainable employment and economic opportunities, particularly for the youth.
“As development communicators, we are committed to fostering meaningful dialogue between communities and policymakers to ensure that solutions are community-driven and foster behavior change.
“Sustainable solutions to the Galamsey crisis require a shift from enforcement to empathy, research, and genuine community engagement that addresses underlying socio-economic drivers.”
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