Managing Editor of the Custodian Newspaper, Awudu Mahama, says no government can fight illegal mining activities (galamsey) on its own without the commitment of citizens.
The fight against galamsey has to be a collaborative effort between government, chiefs, the public and advocacy groups. “I mean no government can fight galamsey without the commitment of the people,” he said.
He disclosed although government may issue licenses for mining, it does not have complete oversight over operations of these miners. “Many of these small scale miners have the license to mine alright but they end up mining in water bodies, forests and other areas outside their concessions, polluting them in the process.”
According to Awudu Mahama, the government can do all it can politically but it will not win the galamsey fight if it goes on that tangent. “The beneficiaries of illegal mining activities will keep on enjoying and destroying the environment if we keep on using the political effort,” he added.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo held talks with members of the National House of Chiefs and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive (MMDCEs) in Kumasi over illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) in the country.
The meeting took place at the National House of Chiefs premises at Manhyia in the Ashanti region and comes amid a resurgence in galamsey activities.
The President who has expressed commitment to fight illegal mining admits the fight against illegal mining cannot be won without the support of traditional leaders and community stakeholders.
With a large portion of Ghanaian lands owned and controlled by Chiefs, the editor adds that they (chiefs) are primarily responsible and capable of seeing to an end of illegal mining. He also called on government to swiftly sanction Chiefs, MMDCEs and anyone found guilty of engaging in galamsey activities.
