Prof. John Osae-Kwapong, a Democracy and Development (D&D) Fellow at CDD-Ghana, has observed that the demands of Ghanaians are not adequately reflected in the election manifestos of the two main political parties, the NDC and NPP, regarding solutions to the galamsey crisis.
Prof. Osae-Kwapong noted that while Ghanaians seem to be calling for a more forceful response, the proposals put forth by both parties suggest a preference for a more lenient approach.
He stated that instead of a heavy-handed strategy, the manifestos advocate for improved practices, enhanced regulatory oversight, and government support to address the challenges within the small-scale mining sector.
“Why do I say so? The NDC’s proposals are contained in Section 4.3.2.1-Mining of their manifesto. The NPP’s proposals are contained in Section 10.4.1.- Mineral Resources and Small-Scale Mining, under a subsection titled Addressing Galamsey.
“Improved practices. The NDC proposes to a) apply state-of-the-art technology, including AI, to track all excavators and geo-fence all SSM concessions in Ghana; and b) ensure that mining operations are not conducted in unapproved areas, such as water bodies, and that the concession holders rehabilitate impacted areas”.
Prof. John Osae-Kwapong
He also noted that the NPP’s proposals include providing small-scale miners with access to proven reserves data from the Geological Survey Authority, which aims to minimize trial-and-error digging.
Prof. Osae-Kwapong stated that the NPP also plans to increase the adoption of mercury-free gold catcher machine technology.
Additionally, he indicated that the NPP intends to construct settlement dams to ensure the safe storage and treatment of discharge water from gold catcher machine operations.
Parties’ Proposal for Mining Regulation
Moreover, Regarding greater regulatory oversight, Prof. Osae-Kwapong mentioned that the NDC proposes to re-categorize mining in Ghana into small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale categories.
He indicated that each category would have specific regulatory, operational, environmental, and safety requirements.
According to him, the NDC also plans to establish a Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) to oversee the small-scale mining sector.
Additionally, Prof. Osae-Kwapong stated that the NDC aims to create Artisanal Small-scale Mining Cooperatives (ASMCs) for community members interested in artisanal mining and decentralize regulatory and licensing processes for artisanal miners.
“The NPP proposes to a) simplify the small-scale mining licensing regime through amendment of the law; b) use a comprehensive and collaborative approach to ensure strict adherence to mining laws and regulations; and c) reform the licensing regime for the small-scale mining sector”.
Prof. John Osae-Kwapong
Prof. Osae-Kwapong noted that regarding government support, the NDC proposes to facilitate the establishment of mining equipment pools in each small-scale mining district to ensure easy and affordable access to essential mining equipment.
He pointed out that in contrast, the NPP plans to aggregate and utilize the Reclamation Fund to implement land reclamation programs. “…and establish a Minerals Development Bank to finance viable local mineral projects, small-scale miners, as well as Ghanaian mining and mining services firms”.
Manifesto Mentions of Galamsey Impact
Furthermore, Prof. John Osae-Kwapong noted that, while he believes both parties acknowledge the severe impact of galamsey, it is crucial to observe how often the term appears in their respective manifestos.
He emphasized that there seems to be a deliberate effort to avoid conveying a heavy-handed approach to addressing the issue if either party is elected on December 7th.
Consequently, Prof. Osae-Kwapong questioned whether this reflects the political economy dynamics surrounding galamsey in an election year.
“While the purpose here is not to evaluate the merits or otherwise of the proposals from the two main political parties, I have two concerns. First, how do these proposals change the incentive structure of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector in such a way as to dissuade people from engaging in galamsey?”
Prof. John Osae-Kwapong
He further questioned how the public can be assured that the proposed strategies for greater regulatory oversight will yield the desired results.
Prof. Osae-Kwapong indicated that this concern is particularly relevant given the persistence of the problem under the existing regulatory regimes. “These are questions worth asking in the ongoing debate”.
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