A Tax for Galamsey: Presidential Commitment to Combat Illegal Mining in Ghana

Introduction: Understanding the Galamsey Crisis and Presidential Resolve

Ghana, a nation endowed with rich mineral resources, faces a persistent and devastating environmental challenge: illegal mining, locally known as galamsey. This practice, characterized by unregulated and often dangerous small-scale mining, has led to widespread deforestation, river pollution, and threats to public health. Recent revelations have highlighted a complex layer to this crisis: the alleged collection of illicit fees or a informal “tax” for galamsey by some local district assemblies in mining communities. Against this backdrop, Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, has publicly expressed staunch confidence in President John Mahama’s unwavering dedication to eradicating this menace. Kotoko’s statements, made following a documentary exposé, underscore a critical tension: while national leadership signals strong political will, systemic corruption at local levels threatens to undermine the fight. This article provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized exploration of the galamsey tax controversy, the president’s strategy, and the multifaceted approach required to achieve lasting victory over illegal mining. We will examine the factual landscape, analyze the implications of local-level complicity, and offer practical guidance for stakeholders, all while adhering to verifiable information and avoiding speculation.

Key Points: Executive Summary of the Galamsey Tax Issue

• Presidential Commitment: Elikem Kotoko affirms that President John Mahama is “very focused and determined” to fight galamsey and is prepared to take extensive measures to demonstrate this resolve.
• Illegality is Non-Negotiable: Kotoko states unequivocally that illegality, environmental destruction, and actions threatening human life can never be justified, regardless of who is involved.
• Evidence-Based Action: Documentary evidence of district assemblies collecting charges from illegal miners has been submitted to the Minister for Local Government, and Kotoko expects formal action to follow.
• Due Process Over Automatic Punishment: While calls for immediate interdiction of implicated officers exist, Kotoko notes that interdiction is not legally automatic and must be considered based on investigation risks.
• Collective State Responsibility: Defeating galamsey requires the full cooperation of all state institutions and actors, aligning with the president’s agenda, not just the executive branch.
• Deterrence Through Investigation: Kotoko expresses optimism that the investigative committee will conduct a thorough probe to create a deterrent effect against future illicit activities.

Background: The Deep-Rooted Problem of Galamsey in Ghana

Defining Galamsey and Its Scale

Galamsey is a portmanteau of “gather” and “sell” in Ghanaian Akan, referring to the informal, often illegal practice of small-scale gold mining. While artisanal mining can be legal with proper permits, galamsey operations typically function without regulatory oversight, employing rudimentary tools like picks, shovels, and mercury for gold extraction. The scale is immense; estimates suggest tens of thousands of Ghanaians, including youth and women, are engaged in galamsey across regions like Ashanti, Eastern, Western, and Central. The drivers are multifaceted: pervasive poverty, lack of alternative livelihoods, weak enforcement of mining laws, and the lure of quick profits from Ghana’s gold boom.

Environmental and Social Devastation

The environmental impact of galamsey is catastrophic. Miners clear vast tracts of forest, contributing to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. They divert and pollute waterways with sediment and toxic chemicals, notably mercury and cyanide, which contaminate drinking water sources and harm aquatic ecosystems. This pollution has been linked to increased cases of skin diseases, respiratory problems, and long-term neurological damage in affected communities. Agricultural lands are degraded, undermining food security. The social fabric is strained as mining conflicts erupt over land rights, and children are often pulled from school to work in hazardous conditions.

Historical Government Responses and Legal Framework

Ghana’s primary legal instrument for mining is the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which mandates that all mining activities require a permit from the Minerals Commission. Operating without a permit is a criminal offense. Successive governments have launched operations to combat galamsey. Notably, in 2017, the government of President Nana Akufo-Addo deployed military and security forces in Operation Vanguard to clamp down on illegal mining, particularly in protected forest reserves and along major rivers. While this led to temporary declines and equipment seizures, the problem has proven resilient due to corruption, inadequate resourcing for continuous monitoring, and the economic desperation of participants. The issue has thus evolved from a simple law enforcement challenge into a complex governance crisis involving local authorities, traditional leaders, and powerful business interests.

Analysis: Deconstructing the “Tax” and Presidential Political Will

The Illicit “Galamsey Tax”: Extortion at the Local Level

The core revelation prompting Kotoko’s remarks is the allegation that some district assemblies—the lowest tier of local government—have been collecting fees from galamsey operators. This practice transforms illegal mining from a purely criminal activity into a corrupt, revenue-generating scheme for certain local officials. It creates a perverse incentive structure: instead of enforcing the law, some assemblies effectively “license” illegal operations in exchange for cash. This informal tax on galamsey is not a formal government policy but a symptom of deep-seated institutional decay. It erodes the rule of law, sends mixed signals to miners, and diverts potential state revenue into private pockets. The documentary evidence submitted to the Minister for Local Government, if proven, points to a direct conflict of interest and a betrayal of public trust by officials tasked with upholding the law.

President Mahama’s Stated Resolve: Words vs. Systemic Realities

Kotoko’s confidence in President John Mahama’s determination is a significant endorsement from a senior forestry official. His phrasing—”ready to go every length”—