Senyo Hosi, a prominent businessman and member of the Ghana Coalition Against Illegal Mining, has called for President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency to effectively combat the escalating illegal small-scale mining crisis, known as galamsey.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points, he emphasized that the government must acknowledge its failures in addressing this persistent issue.
“The government must admit they have failed in fighting illegal mining. The only way out is for the President to declare a state of emergency,” Hosi stated, underscoring the need for urgent action.
Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, the South Dayi Member of Parliament, echoed Hosi’s sentiments and urged the Minerals Commission to take immediate action against environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities.
He highlighted the Commission’s legal responsibility to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to eliminate illegal operations from water bodies and forests.
“It is your duty as mandated by the law to ensure the environment is not degraded. It appears that under existing legislation, the Minerals Commission and the EPA are refusing to invoke their powers under the law,” he asserted.
Dafeamekpor also suggested that the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should consider acquiring helicopters to monitor galamsey areas more effectively.
During the discussions, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission, revealed that small-scale mining currently occurs in 13 regions of Ghana and emphasized that such activities should be restricted to Ghanaians only.
He acknowledged the historical context of the illegal mining problem, attributing it to a lack of proper oversight and support for small-scale miners.
Hosi and Dafeamekpor’s calls for urgent action reflect growing frustration among various stakeholders regarding the government’s handling of illegal mining and its environmental repercussions.
The consensus is clear: without immediate and decisive measures, the galamsey crisis will continue to threaten Ghana’s natural resources and public health.
