By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
The President of the Ghana Institute of Geoscientists, Crisler Akwei Ankrah, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address the growing menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the 2024 Ghana Institute of Geoscientists Conference, Mr. Ankrah stressed the need for concerted efforts between the government, regulatory bodies, and the mining industry to implement sustainable mining practices and eliminate illegal operations.
He highlighted the critical role that small-scale mining plays in the country’s economy, providing employment for millions of people. However, he cautioned that the solution is not to impose an outright ban but rather to establish mechanisms that compel miners to follow proper processes.
He emphasized the importance of containing the damage already done by illegal mining activities, particularly the pollution of water bodies. Mr. Ankrah advocated for the adoption of available technologies and processes to remediate polluted waters and restore the environment. He also underscored the need for strong management practices within the sector.
In addition to technical solutions, he called for political will and institutional commitment to enforce existing laws and policies. He urged governmental bodies such as the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Water Resources Commission to work together on a unified platform to ensure effective regulation of the sector.
According to Mr. Ankrah, the success of any initiative to tackle galamsey will depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including government ministries, regulatory agencies, and industry players. By working together, he believes that the country can establish a sustainable mining sector that balances economic needs with environmental protection.
