Galamstop would have solved a lot of problems for Ghana – Charles Bissue

Former Executive Secretary for the Inter-ministerial Committee on illegal Charles Bissue has indicated that some recommendations and policies by previous committee members including “Galamstop” would have prevented the awakening of illegal mining in Ghana.

The Galamstop was a system initiated in 2019 to see to it that various methods aimed at ensuring galamsey and all forms of illegal mining activities are halted in Ghana.

According to him, the committee ensured that the relevant foundations necessary in leading the fight against illicit mining in Ghana were rolled out including the cohesion between the various agencies.

Speaking to Don Kwabena Prah on Happy98.9 FM’s “Epa Hoa Daben” socio-political talk show, he reiterated that galamsey would have been of a little nuisance to Ghana should the current handlers adhere to the policies.

“The structures are there already, the agencies were already existence but we gradually turned our attention away from them. For example, the Galamstop would have solved a lot of problems for us. Unless we didn’t want to be transparent. Because the problems we established included that sometimes people go to the forestry commission for entry permits. It’s also left with the person to go to the Minerals Commission to acquire license to be able to mine and that has been the problem. Then you’ll see two agencies arguing over who granted the permits and who needed to be the rightful issuant of permits,” he said.

Mr. Charles Bissue explained that mining operators need to have gone through a number of requirements and licensing before being eligible to mine in Ghana.

“Some right after they get the permit, they go straight to the forest to begin mining and that was the things we needed to resolve. You need to first get the entry permit but without the mining license you cannot enter. If you also want to change the cause of a water body you need Water permit. You need to cut a tree then you need a surveyor permit Forestry and EPA also having their assessments. So, all these needed to be put in place. And for us the Galamstop would have triggered the application process so after receiving permit from forestry the other relevant agencies will be informed. So why are we not doing that and want to work independently?” he questioned.