Michael Adu-Gyamfi, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), has characterised President John Dramani Mahama’s invitation for a dialogue with the association and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) regarding illegal mining as a positive and necessary step.
Mr. Adu-Gyamfi confirmed the association’s readiness to attend the meeting and engage with the President. They anticipate that the dialogue will conclude with participants proposing actionable and sustainable solutions to the pervasive issue of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
When questioned about the association’s expectations, he stated, “We expect that the measures the government intends to implement to address galamsey will be effective.”
He further argued that the current approach to combating illegal mining has been unsuccessful, primarily due to an over-reliance on force without yielding sustainable outcomes. “We hope the upcoming meeting will produce lasting solutions to the galamsey crisis,” he added.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the Secretary said that the failure to enforce existing legislation is the core reason why galamsey persists. He stressed the urgent need to rigorously implement mining laws, particularly those governing small-scale operations.
“We have clear laws that designate forest reserves and river bodies as ‘red zones.’ The fundamental question is: why do these laws exist if we cannot enforce them?” he challenged.
Mr. Adu-Gyamfi proposed a dual-strategy approach to governance: rewarding and formally recognizing small-scale miners who operate in strict compliance with the law, while simultaneously and decisively prosecuting those who disregard the regulations and engage in illegal activities.
Mr. Michael Adu-Gyamfi added that the government’s proposal to establish permanent military bases in illegal mining hotspots is not a negative concept, provided it proves instrumental in curbing the scourge of illicit mining activities.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
