Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Global Agenda Services Ghana (GAS-Ghana), has outlined what it terms the best solutions to end illegal mining popularly known as ‘galamsey’ across the country.
According to GAS-Ghana, after undertaking extensive research into ‘galamsey’ activities in Ghana, it came to the conclusion that seven measures must be taken by the central government and other relevant stakeholders to end illegal mining, which continues to significantly destroy the environment and water bodies in some parts of the country.
GAS-Ghana, which published its research findings into galamsey at a press conference on Monday in Accra, pointed out that the approach used so far by successive governments over the years to end galamsey has not been the best.
Executive Director of GAS-Ghana, Evans Arthur, in a statement titled: ‘Rescue Ghana For Sustainable Development – Building Sustainable Development Through Sustainable Environment,’ explained that if the State is committed to making any significant gains in its fight against galamsey, then it ought to change its “social approach” in the fight.
The current Akufo-Addo administration has since the assumption of power made efforts to end galamsey in Ghana.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, who is leading the fight, has consistently seized mining equipment and temporarily banned small-scale mining.
But GAS-Ghana believes there is more to be done if government really wishes to win the war on galamsey, calling for partnership with the central government.
“The issue of small-scale mining has been topical in the country for some time now, but it needs a more technical approach in making solution.”
“To resolve the problem, the following seven measures must be taken according to our research and design,” it disclosed.
GAS-Ghana said that government needs to “switch from awareness campaign to a rescue campaign, associate with a solution making crusade, work from reality instead of propaganda,” among others.
By Melvin Tarlue