In recent times, there has been a surge in public agitation and calls for a total ban on small-scale gold mining in Ghana, with some groups going further to demand a complete halt to all mining activities.
This public outcry stems from the continued devastation caused by illegal mining, or “galamsey,” on the nation’s forests, water bodies, and overall environment.
Environmental activists, civil society groups, labour unions, religious leaders, and various stakeholders have raised their voices, questioning the government’s commitment to halting the environmental degradation wreaked by galamsey.
Despite President Akufo-Addo’s earlier commitment to stop galamsey at all costs—declaring that he was willing to “risk his political career” to eliminate it—public dissatisfaction continues to grow.
Almost ten notable bodies, including Organized Labour, the Ghana Federation of Labour, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), have urged the President to take decisive action.
They’ve called for the declaration of a State of Emergency, in line with Articles 31 and 31(4) of the 1992 Constitution, to address the crisis.
The latest among the key voices advocating for immediate action is the Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG), with urgent call for a temporary halt to all small-scale mining activities in water bodies, forest reserves, and biodiversity-sensitive areas.
This, the GhIG argued, is necessary to ensure that mining practices align with environmental protection standards and to salvage what remains of Ghana’s natural resources.
Ghana’s Mining Legacy: From Resource Wealth to Environmental Destruction
In it statement, GhIG noted that Ghana has long been blessed with abundant mineral resources, particularly gold, which has been the cornerstone of the country’s mining sector.
According to the institute, for decades, mining activities have contributed significantly to national revenue, but at a great cost.
It added that historically, mining operations have often continued until the point of resource depletion, leading to mine closures, reclamation efforts, and attempts to restore affected areas to their original state.
The country’s mining activities are governed by legislative frameworks such as the Minerals and Mining Law (Act 703 of 2006), environmental permits issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and water usage rights granted by the Water Resources Commission.
These regulations aim to promote responsible mining with minimal environmental impact, particularly in sensitive areas such as water bodies and forest reserves.
However, despite these protections, Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and biodiversity zones have been severely affected by irresponsible mining activities.
“These regulations are designed to promote responsible mining with minimal environmental impact, especially in sensitive areas such as water bodies, forest cover, and biodiversity-sensitive zones and the protection of surface rights holders. Gold remains the primary mineral resource at the centre of environmental infractions associated with mining activities.
“Public concern has risen sharply over the widespread degradation of rivers, streams, and forest reserves. The health of vital water bodies is threatened, not due to scarcity, but as a result of almost irreversible damage, which could take decades to rectify—if at all. Ghana now stands at a critical juncture, where urgent action is needed to halt further destruction of our water bodies and forest reserves”.
The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG)
The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG): Calling for Urgent Reforms
The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists, alarmed by the continued destruction of Ghana’s natural resources, categorized small-scale mining activities into three groups: “illegal and irresponsible,” “legal but irresponsible,” and “legal and responsible.”
Sadly, much of the environmental degradation the country is experiencing today according to GhIG is due to activities in the first two categories. The GhIG attributed this growing crisis to several factors, including a lack of political will.
The institute argued that there has been a lack of consistent and firm political action to address the illegal mining problem, exacerbated by political interference and the influence of high-ranking officials who prioritize short-term political gains over long-term environmental protection.
It further contended that some traditional rulers and local authorities have been compromised by financial incentives from mining interests, which has allowed illegal and irresponsible mining practices to continue unchecked.
Again, GhIG disclosed that many small-scale mining operations lack the professional expertise required to adhere to strict environmental standards, leading to widespread environmental degradation.
It also attributed the galamsey crisis to weak state institutions, asserting that key regulatory bodies, such as the Minerals Commission, EPA, and Water Resources Commission, have been ineffective in enforcing mining laws and regulations.
“Bribery and corruption which is widespread within the society including the security services and other state institutions which allow illegal mining activities to continue unchecked”.
The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG)
GhIG’s Proposed Measures for Responsible Mining
In light of these challenges, the GhIG proposed a series of strategic measures to restore the integrity of Ghana’s mining sector and protect its environment.
To address the galamsey crisis and ensure responsible mining practices, the GhIG recommends key actions including a permanent ban on mining in forest reserves and water bodies.
“Anyone found mining in these places should be arrested and prosecuted through a fast-track mining and environmental court. All mining equipment found in these areas should be seized and confiscated to the State pool of machinery”.
he Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG)
The GhIG also called for a temporary six-month ban on all small-scale gold mining activities outside of forest reserves and water bodies to allow for a comprehensive review of the sector and the implementation of necessary reforms.
Additionally, it advocated for all licensed small-scale mining operations to include a professional geoscientist on their team, adding that both the business owner and the geoscientist would be required to sign off on all mining activities, ensuring compliance with best practices.
The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists further called for joint Monitoring and Evaluation Teams, consisting of representatives from the Minerals Commission, EPA, and the District Security Committee, to be established to oversee all small-scale mining operations.
Lastly, the Ghana Institute of Geoscientists advocated for strict legal accountability, demanding that both business owners and registered geoscientists be held legally accountable for any environmental infractions, particularly those leading to water pollution.
“By implementing these measures, we can restore the integrity of Ghana’s small-scale mining industry, protect critical water bodies and forest reserves, and streamline the licensing process to be fast and easily accessible, which is often delayed at the ministerial level”.
The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG)
It emphasized that addressing these delays will help prevent unauthorized mining activities from occurring in the interim, ensuring that only legitimate operations are carried out.
The crisis facing Ghana’s mining sector cannot be solved overnight, however, the GhIG’s proposed measures offer a path forward that balances the need for economic development with the urgent need to protect the environment.
Ultimately, the GhIG’s call for a temporary halt to small-scale mining is a wake-up call for the government, policymakers, and the entire nation.
If Ghana is to preserve its environment for future generations, decisive action must be taken—and it must be taken now.
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