In a bid to tackle the persistent scourge of illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” the Ghanaian government has established a new ad hoc committee tasked with assessing the government’s efforts in combating illegal mining.
In an interview with The Vault News, Prof. Gabriel Botchwey, an Associate Professor in Politics and International Development Studies and Visiting Fellow at Leiden University African Studies Centre, shared his thoughts on the formation of the committee, raising questions about its effectiveness and the deeper political dynamics at play.
“It seems the new committee is intended to assess what has been achieved in the galamsey fight since the President took office in 2017.
“It is clear that this is an evaluation mission and not necessarily to take action. At best, they can only submit a report with recommendations to the President to consider.”
Prof. Gabriel Botchwey, an Associate Professor in Politics and International Development Studies
It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that this committee, like those before it, may not have the political muscle or the freedom to make bold decisions on its own. Rather, it appears to be a mechanism to take stock of previous efforts, laying out its findings for future contemplation.
For a problem as urgent and devastating as galamsey, this bureaucratic approach feels insufficient. Given the severity of environmental damage caused by illegal mining operations, it is natural to wonder whether this committee can make a real difference or if it is simply another administrative delay.
Prof. Botchwey warned that the committee’s effectiveness remains uncertain given the complex web of political and economic interests driving the illicit activity.
Prof. Botchwey believes the committee faces significant challenges in producing meaningful outcomes. “We need to be modest in our expectations,” he cautioned. “Based on the letter issued about the nature of the work of the committee, we have to be realistic about what can be accomplished.”
Political Underbelly of Galamsey
One of the most alarming observations in the fight against galamsey is its close connection to political power. According to Prof. Botchwey, illegal mining activities are intricately linked with the funding of political campaigns in Ghana.
“The forces running the galamsey operations have very deep political and economic interests, right to the center of power. Galamsey operations are closely connected with the funding of political parties and the campaigns of individual politicians. They need the money to stay in power or come to power.”
Prof. Gabriel Botchwey, an Associate Professor in Politics and International Development Studies
This troubling assertion underscores why galamsey has remained so difficult to eradicate, despite several government interventions.
The very individuals tasked with stopping illegal mining often find themselves entangled in its web, whether through direct financial benefit or the need to secure political alliances. As long as these forces remain, any committee or task force is unlikely to make a meaningful impact.
“We cannot expect too much from the new committee, especially when we are going to the polls in less than three months,” Prof. Botchwey warned.
At this point, Prof. Botchwey argued, “Now that the politicians need the money and the vote in this election year, the ban is most unlikely to work even if it is imposed,” alluding to the political motivations that could continue to undermine any enforcement efforts.
The devastation wrought by galamsey on Ghana’s natural environment is well-documented. The destruction of water bodies, farmland, and forests is both widespread and severe.
Prof. Botchwey lamented the pollution of these vital resources. His view is that while these environmental disasters were preventable, the political will to effectively address the issue has been lacking for years.
“The pollution of water resources, land, farms, and the destruction of forests by galamsey operations are very tragic. They were preventable, and they can be addressed. The question is, are we ready to do what needs to be done?”
Prof. Gabriel Botchwey, an Associate Professor in Politics and International Development Studies
Ghana has been grappling with this crisis since at least 2012, and despite various government interventions, including an outright ban on small-scale mining between 2017 and 2018, little has changed.
In fact, during the ban, Ghana recorded its highest level of small-scale gold production—a testament to how ineffective previous initiatives have been in halting the illegal operations. Prof. Botchwey sees this as evidence that the roots of the problem are not in policy alone but in the entrenched socio-political structures that sustain illegal mining.
Sustainable development crucial in galamsey fight
To address this entrenched problem, Prof. Botchwey proposed introducing stricter regulations on political campaign financing.
“We need to introduce a law to compel all politicians and political parties to declare their sources of funding for political activities, identities of persons contributing to their campaigns; place a ceiling on allowable contributions to political activities from individuals and entities, and strictly sanction those who flout the laws.”
Prof. Gabriel Botchwey, an Associate Professor in Politics and International Development Studies
Without addressing these underlying factors, Prof. Botchwey warned that meaningful progress against galamsey remained elusive.
Another aspect of galamsey that often emerges in discussions is its role as a source of employment for many Ghanaians, particularly the youth.
However, Prof. Botchwey rejected this justification, calling it “an absurd and infantile argument.” He contended that destroying the environment in pursuit of short-term economic gain undermines the very foundations of future survival.
While acknowledging the need for economic opportunities, Prof. Botchwey insisted that small-scale mining can be carried out in a responsible manner that preserves the environment.
His emphasis on sustainable, inclusive development highlighted the need for alternative job creation strategies that do not sacrifice the environment.
The galamsey crisis, therefore, is not just about enforcing laws or curbing illegal activities; it is deeply connected to broader issues of unemployment, economic inequality, and the failure of the state to provide sustainable livelihoods for its citizens.
Prof. Botchwey emphasized that combating galamsey required a multifaceted approach involving political will, strong institutional capacity, and societal change. Without addressing the fundamental drivers of the problem, including political corruption and economic incentives, the fight against illegal mining would likely remain ineffective.
The ultimate question is not whether this committee will deliver a report, but whether Ghana’s leadership is prepared to do what is necessary to end the environmental and public health crises caused by illegal mining. The answer, at least for now, remains uncertain.
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