Galamsey fight a pretense – Kofi Bentil
Vice President of policy think tank Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil, has accused authorities of only pretending to fight illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points programme on Saturday, August 16, Mr. Bentil alleged that some of the very security personnel tasked to clamp down on the menace are complicit in the illegal trade.
“We are pretending to be fighting Galamsey. There are allegations that some Police personnel, military officers and MMDCEs are complicit in Galamsey activities,” he said.
On the same programme, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, issued a stern warning that galamsey must either be destroyed or risk destroying the nation.
“Enough is enough, it’s either we destroy Galamsey or it destroys us. We need to step up our efforts in fighting this menace,” Prof. Gyampo stressed.
The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) also waded into the discussion following a devastating helicopter crash incident, which it said underscores the urgency of decisive, apolitical action against illegal mining.
In a strongly-worded statement, ISODEC described galamsey as “an existential threat” to both current and future generations, citing environmental degradation, destruction of water bodies, health hazards, biodiversity loss, and economic setbacks for affected communities.
“As we reflect on the lives lost in this unfortunate accident, we are reminded of the urgent responsibility that rests on our government to safeguard our precious resources and the well-being of our citizens,” the statement noted.
ISODEC called on government to:
- Declare an immediate state of emergency on illegal mining.
- Repeal Act LI 2462.
- Strengthen collaboration with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute kingpins.
- Confiscate proceeds from illegal mining operations.
- Enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
- Name, shame, and hold accountable all actors involved.
The organization further urged the acceleration of sustainable community mining programmes that protect the environment while promoting local participation and responsible economic growth.
“Together, we can work towards restoring balance in our ecosystem whilst fostering prosperity for all Ghanaians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy,” ISODEC added.
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