Government pledged to fight Galamsey – Minister

Dr. Murtala Mohammed Ibrahim, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, has stated that the government is committed to providing funding for the restoration of damaged farmlands and the cleaning up of polluted rivers.

In order to end illicit mining in the nation, he said, the government was also prepared to assist pertinent state agencies.

This was said by Dr. Ibrahim in a speech that was read on his behalf at the University of Energy and Natural Resources’ (UENR) 4th Annual Transformational Dialogue on small-scale mining, which was held yesterday at Fiapre, close to Sunyani, in the Bono Region.

“Eliminating illegal mining in Ghana — The will and the bill” was the theme.

In addition to exchanging ideas on how to end illicit mining, participants also talked about how to fully utilize small-scale mining for economic development.

They included officials from the Association of Women in Mining in Africa and Ghana, the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, the Regional House of Chiefs, major mining firms, students, and civil society organizations, among others.

Illegal mining

“However, we also stand at the threshold of a new opportunity; one that allows us to rethink, reimagine, and reform how we mine and manage our natural capital,” Dr. Ibrahim said, adding that the government recognizes that enforcement alone cannot be the solution to the complexities of galamsey and that “we need innovation, education, and meaningful community engagement.” “This is where higher educational institutions must serve not only as centers of academic excellence, but also as drivers of sustainable development,” the minister stated. The ministry was dedicated to fortifying alliances with institutions in order to find science-driven and community-centered solutions to the crisis of environmental degradation.

However, he tasked universities with teaching the upcoming generation of geologists, environmental scientists, and policy advisers while spearheading practical research in sustainable mining technologies and land restoration.

According to the minister, the cost of environmental damage brought on by galamsey was 2.8% of the country’s GDP in 2017 and will increase to almost 18% by December 2024.

Dangers

Galamsey, according to Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa, continues to endanger the country’s progress by ruining farmlands, contaminating rivers, forest reserves, and the nation’s overall ecosystem.

He claimed that if the threat is not prevented, it may uproot people and jeopardize legitimate mining activities.

“Therefore, the fight against galamsey is not about law enforcement, it is also not about governance, education, and community empowerment, but a moral and sacred duty we bear for future generations,” stated Akwaboa.

In order to influence the future of small-scale mining in the nation, he asked the participants to use the platform to establish genuine relationships, exchange best practices, and offer suggestions.

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