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Small-scale miners in the Amansie West District have stepped up their campaign against illegal mining, particularly targeting those operating on water bodies and within forest reserves. These miners, whose legal operations have been severely impacted by illegal activities, are taking direct action to protect their livelihoods and the environment.
At a recent meeting organized by the Advocacy for Sustainable Mining group, small-scale miners and their zonal leaders discussed the detrimental effects of illegal mining, also known as “galamsey.” They expressed concern over how the illegal activities have overshadowed the legal mining sector, with some claiming that the legitimate side of the industry is no longer recognized.
Mr. Joseph Mensah, the Zonal Chairman of the Small Scale Miners Association in Amansie West, spoke on behalf of his fellow miners, calling on the government to continue supporting their efforts in the fight against galamsey. He revealed that the association had already launched a taskforce to clamp down on illegal miners, particularly those operating in sensitive areas such as water bodies and forest reserves.
“We are not leaving any stone unturned,” Mr. Mensah stated. “Illegal mining has had a serious negative impact on us, and we are determined to flush them out, especially those working in restricted areas.” He emphasized the need for the government to maintain its trust in the association, urging them to strengthen the partnership in the fight against galamsey.
Mr. Mensah’s remarks were echoed by Hon. Amankwa Anthony, another member of the Small Scale Miners Association. Hon. Anthony pointed out that illegal miners are tarnishing the reputation of small-scale mining, making the work of law-abiding miners difficult. “The galamsey operators are making our work unpopular, and they must be dealt with mercilessly,” he said, calling for swift action against those who continue to defy regulations.
However, Hon. Anthony disagreed with those advocating for a total ban on small-scale mining in response to the environmental degradation caused by galamsey. He argued that banning the industry would only worsen the problem, driving more miners underground and making the situation harder to control. “A total ban is not the solution. We need stricter enforcement of the laws and a focus on responsible mining practices,” he said.
The miners commended the government’s recent efforts to enhance anti-galamsey measures, particularly through increased security and stricter penalties for offenders. They expressed hope that these efforts would be sustained and called on the government to continue collaborating with legal miners to ensure the sector thrives responsibly.
As the meeting concluded, the miners reaffirmed their commitment to responsible mining and pledged to intensify their campaign against illegal activities. They are confident that with the government’s support and their ongoing efforts, the fight against illegal mining can be won, protecting both the environment and the future of small-scale mining in Ghana.
The Small Scale Miners Association remains optimistic that their proactive stance will not only safeguard their business interests but also contribute to the protection of Ghana’s natural resources from further destruction.
