Introduction

Ghana’s ongoing battle against galamsey—illegal small-scale mining—has intensified following recent arrests of operators. However, Professor Kwesi Aning, a security expert, argues that the country’s anti-mining strategies are misdirected, focusing on low-level actors while ignoring the powerful financiers funding the operations. His critique, shared in an interview with PleasureNews’ Newsfile, highlights systemic flaws in Ghana’s approach to combating illegal mining in Ghana and underscores the need for a paradigm shift in policy and enforcement.

Analysis

Neglecting Financial Networks: The Root of the Problem

Prof. Aning emphasizes that the persistence of galamsey is not merely a law enforcement issue but a systemic challenge rooted in financial exploitation. He contends that authorities must target the “monetary kingpins” who orchestrate illegal mining operations. These individuals, often shielded by political and economic networks, control the distribution of profits and resources, making grassroots arrests ineffective. “We need to trace the money flow, identify buyers of smuggled gold, and dismantle the financial infrastructure sustaining galamsey,” he asserts.

Oversight of Security Agencies: A Disconnect Between Legislation and Action

The expert questions the efficacy of statutory bodies like the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS), which has achieved visible results, versus traditional enforcement agencies under Acts 1030 and 1040 of 2020. These laws empower agencies such as Ghana’s National Security Secretariat, yet their performance lags. Prof. Aning attributes this gap to bureaucratic inefficiencies, inadequate resources, and political reluctance to hold influential actors accountable.

Environmental and Economic Costs of Superficial Solutions

While temporary arrests may boost public confidence, they fail to address the environmental devastation caused by galamsey. Rivers choked with sediment, deforested landscapes, and toxic pollution are hallmarks of this practice. “Short-term gains mask long-term ecological collapse,” Prof. Aning warns, stressing that sustainable solutions require institutional reform and community engagement.

Summary

Professor Kwesi Aning’s critique challenges Ghana’s current strategies against galamsey, advocating for a shift from targeting small-scale miners to dismantling the financial networks enabling these operations. He highlights the dominance of NAIMOS over statutory agencies and underscores the need for political will to enact systemic change. This analysis reveals deeper issues of governance, accountability, and institutional capacity in the country’s fight against illegal mining in Ghana.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To effectively target the root causes of galamsey, authorities and policymakers must adopt the following strategies:

• Target Financial Networks: Investigate gold buyers, smuggling routes, and investment channels funding galamsey operations.
• Strengthen Security Institutions: Equip agencies under the 2020 Acts with resources to enforce anti-mining laws.
• Collaborate with Communities: Engage local leaders to rebuild trust and support rehabilitation of mined areas.
• Policy Reforms: Integrate environmental safeguards into mining laws and penalize high-level offenders.

Points of Caution

While arresting small-scale miners is necessary, Prof. Aning cautions against:

• Overlooking Financiers: Prosecutions should extend beyond miners to include those profiting from galamsey activities.
• Superficial Solutions: Temporary crackdowns risk perpetuating environmental damage and economic dependency on illegal mining.
• Retaliation Risks: Heavy-handed enforcement may alienate communities, exacerbating illegal activities.

Comparison

NAIMOS vs. Statutory Security Agencies

NAIMOS has outperformed traditional agencies by adopting intelligence-led operations and cross-border collaboration. In contrast, statutory bodies under the Signals Act 1040 of 2020 struggle with bureaucratic delays and fragmented intelligence. This disparity underscores the need for systemic reforms to align institutional structures with enforcement mandates.

Legal Implications

The National Security Strategy 2020 identifies galamsey as a critical threat, yet its legal enforcement remains inconsistent. Acts 1030 and 1040 mandate strict penalties for illegal mining but lack clarity on prosecuting financiers. Prof. Aning argues that amending these laws to target funding networks and empower agencies with targeted mandates could enhance accountability and reduce environmental degradation linked to illegal mining in Ghana.

Conclusion

Ghana’s fight against galamsey requires a multifaceted approach that balances law enforcement with systemic reforms. Prioritizing financial networks, bolstering institutional capacity, and fostering community partnerships are essential to curbing illegal mining in Ghana. As Prof. Aning asserts, superficial success will persist without addressing the entrenched power structures sustaining this crisis.

FAQ

Sources

Original content sourced from Life Pulse Daily (2025-10-11). Legal references include Ghana’s Anti-Ileageismin Act 1030 and the National Security Strategy 2020.