Anti-illegal mining operations in Ghana have been rendered ineffective due to rampant bribery and a complete breakdown in operational coordination, according to Mr Michael Adu Gyamfi, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Small-Scale Miners Association.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Adu Gyamfi expressed deep frustration that state-deployed measures against “galamsey” (illegal mining) continue to fail.
He highlighted a fragmented national response, noting that uncoordinated deployments—including units such as the Anti-Robbery Unit of the Ghana Police Service—frequently conduct operations at mining sites.
He alleged that various security officials, soldiers, and politicians have formed independent taskforces primarily to extort money from illegal miners rather than enforce the law.
His remarks mark the anniversary of the tragic 6 August 2025 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including the then Ministers for Defence and Environment, while en route to an anti-galamsey event in Obuasi.
Mr Adu Gyamfi described the disaster as a dark day for the nation, lamenting that without genuine progress in eradicating illegal mining, the victims’ sacrifices remain in vain.
“We extend our condolences to the eight individuals who lost their lives,” he stated. “It was a dark day in the history of our country. As an association, we were devastated, but we believe without the success of the fight against illegal mining, their deaths will be in vain.”
He further emphasised that political interference and institutional compromise continue to sabotage state efforts.
“Until the politicians stop their interference in small-scale mining issues and illegal mining, we will still encounter the issues. Galamsey is a menace. The involvement of government in illegal mining also is a challenge. Sadly, those tasked with fighting illegal mining are compromised. They are accepting bribes and making money instead of dealing with the issue of galamsey. We cannot continue this way and expect the galamsey fight to succeed.”
To resolve the crisis, Mr Adu Gyamfi called on the government to divest itself from direct intervention and fully empower the Minerals Commission to oversee the sector.
He maintained that current enforcement has descended into an unsanctioned free-for-all among security agencies, inviting observers to Kumasi to witness the chaotic reality on the ground firsthand.
”The fight against galamsey has turned into a field day for security officials. We are witnessing sanctioned and unsanctioned operations by the security agencies to the point that we have officers from the Anti-Robbery Unit of the Ghana Police Service storming sites. Come to Kumasi and witness the situation for yourself.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
