Dr. Jones Opoku-Ware, a lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a criminologist, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating threat posed by illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. He cautioned that if authorities fail to effectively address the issue, illegal miners could soon be mobilised and used as militia groups.
Speaking on the “Frontline” program on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Dr. Opoku-Ware expressed deep concern that the illegal miners are currently wielding sophisticated weapons and demonstrating a fearless attitude.
He asserted that the nation has an immediate opportunity to deal decisively with these illegal activities before they result in a national security crisis that could destabilise the state. The criminologist voiced his apprehension, stating that the country faces a significant problem, and he fears a downward spiral in the coming years regarding galamsey.
Dr. Opoku-Ware’s comments were made in response to a riot that occurred outside the Hwidiem Police Station on November 1, 2025. The unrest followed the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of vehicles and weapons at a nearby site by a joint anti-illegal mining team.
Reflecting on the incident, he noted, “From what happened and from where I sit, I think we have a big problem on our hands. I believe we have no genuine interest in solving the issue of galamsey.”
He highlighted his ongoing research with Dr. A.K. Mensah, which focuses on the use of the military over the period to curb galamsey. The research, he indicated, suggests a lack of commitment to resolving the core issue, as those tasked with solving the problem are, in some cases, contributing to the environmental crime.
Dr. Opoku-Ware expressed alarm at how residents have become emboldened enough to confront and fight the soldiers and police deployed to combat galamsey, suggesting that many leaders are exploiting these community members to conduct illegal mining.
Risk of Organized Crime and Militancy
The lecturer stressed the critical need for caution, stating:
“We have to be careful because these illegal mining sites are becoming conduits for criminal trade and activities. I have done some studies together with foreign partners in some of these mining sites and we discovered criminal trading activities are ongoing, especially the movement of weapons and other explosives.”
He warned of the potential for this structure to be exploited to form a militia group: “I am telling you, once these people are brought together and given the kind of weapons they control, I tell you our military and police will not be able to control them.”
Dr. Opoku-Ware underscored the urgent need to end the “politics of galamsey” to enable effective prosecution of all involved parties.
He concluded by urging the nation to adopt a serious approach: “We have to be very serious as a country and stop the needless politics of galamsey which some people have used in the past against a government, while some are also doing the same against this government, and make sure we are going after everybody involved, irrespective of who is involved.”
By: Rainbowradioonne.com/Ghana
