Former Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, has expressed his opposition to deploying the military against individuals involved in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). He views galamsey as a socio-economic issue that requires an economic solution.
“I see the problem as a socio-economic one. I don’t support using the military to intimidate galamsey operators,” he stated during the thought leadership forum themed “Galamsey Fight: Beyond the talk, what next?” organized by Media General in Accra on Wednesday, September 25.
Former Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Dr. Anthony Aubynn, highlighted the environmental and health risks posed by illegal mining activities, particularly mining on water bodies. He emphasized that no law permits mining in these areas, making such practices illegal and harmful.
“It is inimical to the environment and the well-being of Ghanaians,” he remarked. Dr. Aubynn urged President Akufo-Addo to issue a clear directive banning all mining on water bodies, calling for immediate action to address the galamsey crisis.
Dr. Aubynn expressed confusion over the passage of a legislative instrument (L.I.) that permits mining in forest reserves, describing it as a harmful law that contradicts Ghana’s commitment to sustainable forest management and climate change policies.
He noted that following the introduction of this law, there was an unprecedented rush for mining leases, undermining efforts toward environmental preservation.
Mustapha Seidu, Director of the Nature and Development Foundation, echoed these concerns and joined the call for the repeal of the L.I.
Additionally, a joint statement from the Research Staff Association at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Research Scientists Association at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) urged Parliament to prioritize repealing this law. They emphasized the urgency of suspending all illegal small-scale mining and investing in sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
The scientists warned that galamsey poses a severe threat to Ghana’s environment, public health, and economy.
They cited toxic substances like arsenic and cadmium, released during illegal mining, as contributing factors to diseases, including cancer and respiratory conditions.
They called on the government and stakeholders to collaborate on research and policy-making to restore Ghana’s lands and water bodies and regulate small-scale mining responsibly.
