Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kwasi Amoafo, a notable lecturer, author, and preacher, has called for enhanced government regulation of Ghana’s mining sector as a means to address the country’s escalating youth unemployment crisis.
In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle, Dr. Amoafo expressed the frustration many Ghanaian youths feel regarding their inability to benefit from the nation’s rich natural resources.
This frustration has driven many to seek better opportunities abroad, spurred by poverty, unemployment, and perceived mismanagement of national assets.
Dr. Amoafo advocated for stricter regulation of the mining industry to create job opportunities for the youth. He suggested that the government should invest in technology that would benefit mining communities, ensuring a mutually advantageous relationship between the state and local residents.
He emphasized that adopting modern technologies could help Ghana preserve its natural resources while allowing communities to engage in sustainable mining practices. Dr. Amoafo stressed the importance of government oversight to prevent the land degradation and water pollution often associated with illegal mining activities.
To further stimulate economic growth, he proposed the establishment of a government-backed entity to purchase gold from local communities, provide financing for mining equipment, and promote broader economic development.
Dr. Amoafo firmly believes that regulatory reforms and strategic investments could optimize Ghana’s mining sector, create jobs, and protect natural resources for future generations.
“The prevailing sentiment is that if the government does not empower us through this natural resource, we will empower ourselves. Behind the gold rush is this mindset. The government should regulate the sector and empower communities with intermediate technology,” he stated.
He suggested the use of small-scale equipment for gold extraction that minimizes environmental damage and avoids the use of mercury, which contaminates waterways. He proposed creating a Ghana Gold Marketing Board to purchase gold produced through artisanal mining, utilizing the government-provided equipment.
“The difference between what the government sells the gold for and what they buy from the people—similar to how cocoa is handled—could finance the equipment provided to the communities. This would create a win-win situation, empowering communities to benefit from their natural resources in a sustainable way while contributing positively to the economy. The government would be providing sustainable skills for the people rather than leaving them to navigate these challenges alone using harmful methods,” he explained.
Rev. Dr. Amoafo also urged the church to actively engage with government stakeholders to develop effective solutions for the mining sector’s pressing challenges.
“The church needs to step up and engage with the government, advocating for responsible gold extraction. There’s nothing wrong with gold mining, but the government must get involved to ensure it is done in environmentally safe ways, unlike what we currently witness.”
