No Government Can Stop Galamsey Completely – Extractive Industry Expert

Executive Director of the Centre for Extractive Development Africa ( CEDA), Samuel Bekoe, has cautioned that completely stopping illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, may be unrealistic, urging authorities to focus on regulating the activity and preventing its harmful effects.

According to Mr. Bekoe, the number of people whose livelihoods depend on galamsey makes an outright ban difficult to enforce.

Speaking via a zoom interview on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, he noted that although communities support galamsey activities, the practice can have serious consequences for the environment and human rights if it is not properly regulated.
Mr. Bekoe also criticised the Minerals Commission for what he described as failures in preventing illegal mining, arguing that some miners have obtained licences but continue to engage in activities that cause environmental damage.

The extractive industry expert proposed increased recruitment and possible weaponisation of wildlife personnel to strengthen protection of forests, stressing that existing forest guards may not be adequately equipped to confront illegal miners.
He also criticised delays by the Lands Commission in processing licences, arguing that prolonged delays can discourage prospective miners from pursuing legal permits.
Mr. Bekoe maintained that people can still engage in mining without destroying river bodies if effective regulations and enforcement mechanisms are put in place.

He warned that even declaring a state of emergency would not necessarily bring galamsey to an end.
“No government can stop galamsey, but can regulate them to eradicate the after-effects,” he stated.

He added that protecting community lands from destruction would be difficult without stronger regulatory measures aimed at preventing mining activities from damaging river bodies.
His comments come amid renewed calls for tougher measures to tackle illegal mining and protect Ghana’s forests, farmlands and water resources.

By Maurice Otoo