Alan Kyerematen Proposes One-Year Mining Ban to End Galamsey for Good

Introduction

In a bold move to combat environmental degradation and illegal mining activities in Ghana, Alan Kyerematen, the founder and leader of the United Party (UP), has proposed a sweeping one-year ban on all forms of small-scale and group mining. His declaration, made during an interview on TV3’s New Day on October 17, 2025, aims to address the persistent issue of galamsey—a term used in Ghana to describe illegal artisanal mining—by halting operations entirely for a year. This radical plan seeks to dismantle the systemic challenges of distinguishing legal from illegal mining, rehabilitate ecosystems, and establish sustainable frameworks for the future. Kyerematen’s proposal has sparked debate, but he argues it is the only viable path to resolve the galamsey crisis “as soon as and for all.”

Analysis of Kyerematen’s Proposal

The 1-Year Mining Ban: Rationale and Scope

Kyerematen’s core idea revolves around a complete suspension of small-scale and group mining activities nationwide for 365 days. He contends that the complexity of Ghana’s mining sector—where legitimate operations often coexist with illegal ones—makes regulation nearly impossible without drastic measures. By imposing a blanket ban, authorities can bypass the bureaucratic hurdles of auditing licenses and distinguishing compliant miners from offenders. “The nature and personality of galamsey make it tricky to tell the difference between legal and illegal operations,” he stated. “A complete ban eliminates this ambiguity during the moratorium.”

Environmental Rehabilitation as a Priority

The proposal emphasizes the use of the one-year period to restore Ghana’s damaged ecosystems. Kyerematen highlighted the need to reclaim polluted water bodies and rehabilitate mining-affected land. This aligns with global trends where mining bans are coupled with ecological restoration efforts, a strategy he describes as “practical and results-driven.” By pausing operations, the government can focus on long-term environmental recovery, a critical step often overlooked in current policies.

Ghana Transformation Programme (GTP) and Galamsey Solutions

Under his GTP investment framework, Kyerematen advocates for a 10-point plan to transition Ghana’s economy toward sustainable solutions. Key pillars include leveraging technology, creating formal employment opportunities, and decentralizing industrial policies to boost local manufacturing. He urges the government to prioritize these initiatives to reduce reliance on artisanal mining, stating, “The government needs to act decisively and not just wait for policies to trickle down over years.”

Key Elements of the Proposal

Temporary Ban on Small-Scale Mining

The ban would apply to all small-scale and group mining operations, effectively halting activities that contribute to environmental harm.

Suspension and Audit of Licenses

Existing mining licenses would be suspended, followed by audits to assess compliance. Those found following regulations would regain their licenses post-ban.

Ecological Restoration Milestones

Clear objectives for cleaning water bodies and rehabilitating mined land, ensuring the environment is rejuvenated before operations resume.

Transition to Formal Industrial Job Creation

A focus on expanding sectors like agriculture and manufacturing to provide alternatives to miners, reducing pressure on small-scale mining.

Practical Advice for Implementation

Immediate Enforcement of the Ban

Government agencies must prepare for rapid enforcement, including deploying surveillance teams to monitor mining sites and detaining violators.

Public Education and Community Engagement

Kyerematen stresses the importance of educating communities about the ban’s purpose. Collaborating with local leaders can ease resistance and foster cooperation.

Monitoring and Accountability Systems

Establishing an independent oversight body to track compliance, document violations, and ensure transparency throughout the ban’s enforcement.

Points of Caution

Legal and Administrative Challenges

Implementing a nationwide ban without due process risks lawsuits from legitimate miners. Kyerematen’s proposal requires careful legal drafting to ensure fairness and constitutionality.

Economic Impact on Local Communities

Many families depend on galamsey for survival. A ban could devastate local economies unless parallel job-creation strategies are in place.

Historical Precedents and Enforcement Realities

Past attempts at cracking down on galamsey have faced logistical challenges, including limited budget for enforcement and corruption within regulatory bodies. Success hinges on equitable resource allocation and strict penalties for violations.

Comparison with Global Strategies

Lessons from Australia’s Mining Regulations

Australia’s approach to banning dredging in protected areas of the Great Barrier Reef offers a template. Their ban, enforced with GPS tracking and satellite monitoring, reduced illegal mining by 80% within a year. Ghana could adapt such technology-driven oversight.

South Africa’s Galamsey Countermeasures

South Africa introduced a National Integrated Small-scale and Medium-scale Mining Policy, prioritizing community mining associations. While not a total ban, their licensing tiers and income support programs reduced illegal activity by incentivizing formalization.

Legal Implications

Licensing Suspensions and Compensation

Legitimate miners may seek compensation for lost income during the ban. Legal frameworks must define criteria for license reinstatement and ensure employers are not unduly penalized.

Constitutional Considerations

The ban’s legality depends on balancing environmental protection with citizens’ rights to livelihood. Kyerematen’s proposal assumes emergency powers but must align with Ghana’s constitutional principles.

Conclusion

Alan Kyerematen’s one-year galamsey ban proposal represents a high-stakes strategy to tackle one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental crises. While the plan addresses systemic inefficiencies in regulation, its success hinges on robust enforcement, equitable economic transitions, and community buy-in. By prioritizing rehabilitation and formal job creation, Ghana can move toward sustainable mining practices—but Kyerematen’s outspoken call for decisive action will undoubtedly fuel further debate about balancing development and conservation.

FAQs

How Long Will the Ban Last?

The proposed moratorium spans one year, during which all small-scale and group mining activities are prohibited, regardless of legality.

What Happens to Illegal Miners After the Ban?

Post-ban, illegal operations should face permanent revocation of licenses, though rehabilitation programs may be offered to those willing to transition to formal work.

Will Legitimate Miners Be Penalized?

No. After an audit, compliant miners can reapply for licenses. However, the suspension period could financially strain lawful operations, necessitating government support.

Can the Ban Ease Water Pollution?

Yes. Halting mining activities for a year will allow polluted rivers and streams to recover naturally, a critical step for Ghana’s ecological health.

What Alternatives Exist for Artisanal Miners?

The GTP framework emphasizes industrial job creation, vocational training, and agricultural subsidies to absorb former miners into stable employment.