The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhiG) has blamed political meddling and high-ranking officials’ influences for the rise in illicit mining operations, also referred to as galamsey.
The institute claims that those in powerful positions have been impeding the fight against galamsey, a serious problem.
GhiG divided the activity into three categories in a statement: illegal and careless, legal but careless, and legal and responsible.
However, they contend that the nation’s problems with environmental degradation are made worse by a lack of political will to address the problem and are further complicated by influence and political meddling by powerful officials looking to pursue their own agendas.
The institution also emphasised the absence of professional knowledge in mining techniques and the compromise of local authorities and traditional rulers as a result of financial incentives from mining interests.
GhiG also brought attention to the inefficiencies and inadequacies of state agencies in enforcing laws and regulations, including the EPA, the Water Resources Commission, the Regional/District Assemblies, and the Minerals Commission.
GhiG has therefore suggested a solution to the problem, which includes outlawing all small-scale mining in forest reserves as well as in rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.
In order to reset the system and carry out the required adjustments, the institute also suggested a temporary six-month ban on all small-scale gold mining operations outside of forest reserves, water bodies, and areas 100 meters or less from water bodies.
The Institute also recommended the formation of a combined monitoring and evaluation committee with members from the District Security Committee, the EPA, and the Minerals Commission.
The Institute believes this will restore the integrity of Ghana’s small-scale mining economy, and conserve important water bodies and forest reserves.
