Government Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Illegal Mining but Faces Criticism Over Lack of New Solutions

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable and legal mining practices throughout Ghana. In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 11, the ministry emphasized that responsible mining is vital for safeguarding the environment and the well-being of communities impacted by mining activities.

The government has intensified its efforts to combat illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” which continues to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and public health. The statement highlighted key initiatives, including the deployment of anti-galamsey task forces, stricter monitoring of mining sites, and enhanced enforcement of mining regulations.

These measures, the ministry noted, are designed to clamp down on illegal operations and foster sustainable mining practices in the sector.

At a recent high-level meeting, the government issued stricter guidelines to Regional Ministers and their respective security councils, strengthening the national resolve to combat galamsey. The ministry also emphasized the critical role of collaboration between traditional leaders, local communities, and civil society organizations in holding illegal miners accountable and educating the public on the importance of legal and sustainable mining practices.

Furthermore, the ministry called on mining companies to comply with environmental and social standards, noting that these practices are crucial for maintaining sustainable mining operations. Ongoing land reclamation efforts, particularly in areas severely affected by illegal mining, were highlighted as a central focus of the government’s strategy.

The ministry assured the public that the government is working actively on restoring degraded lands and protecting water bodies from further harm.

“Government remains steadfast and committed to restoring order and ensuring that mining activities are conducted sustainably and legally in the national interest. We urge all stakeholders to support these efforts to protect our environment, preserve our water bodies, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” the ministry’s statement read.

Read full statement here:

However, despite these assurances, some critics argue that the government’s response to the illegal mining crisis lacks innovation and urgency. Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, the Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, criticized the Ministry for failing to offer new solutions to the issue. Ashigbey contended that the ongoing measures, including the involvement of regional ministers, have already been tried without yielding the desired results. He expressed concern that the government’s actions do not fully recognize the scale of the environmental crisis at hand.

Ashigbey stressed that illegal mining continues to devastate Ghana’s water bodies, with no significant improvement in sight, despite repeated promises of action. He called for a more decisive, innovative approach to addressing galamsey, pointing out that relying on the same strategies will not deliver the necessary results.

Also, Read: Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey Criticizes Government’s Inadequate Response to Galamsey Crisis

“Regional ministers pass by these illegal activities every day, yet they don’t have the capacity to handle them,” Ashigbey argued. He further stated that the government’s response “just shows that they don’t realize we are in a crisis. It tells you that they don’t see the enormity of the challenges we are facing.”