Introduction

Ghana’s battle against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, remains one of the nation’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges. The practice has devastated rivers, farmlands, and forests, prompting successive governments to roll out policies aimed at curbing its spread. However, the effectiveness of these measures has often been undermined by a lack of continuity, weak enforcement, and political inconsistencies.

In a recent interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Charles Bissue, former Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), shed light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of this fight: policy continuity. Bissue revealed that the current administration under John Mahama is leveraging a roadmap originally developed during Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure, underscoring the need for disciplined implementation rather than reinventing the wheel.

This article delves into the historical context of Ghana’s anti-galamsey efforts, the key components of the Akufo-Addo roadmap, and why sustained enforcement—not new policies—holds the key to success. We also provide practical advice for stakeholders and address frequently asked questions to clarify the path forward.

Key Points

Background: Ghana’s Galamsey Crisis

The Rise of Illegal Mining

Illegal mining in Ghana has surged over the past two decades, driven by high gold prices, rural unemployment, and weak regulatory oversight. Galamsey operations often involve unlicensed miners using hazardous methods such as mercury amalgamation and dredging rivers, leading to:

• Environmental degradation (e.g., polluted water bodies like the Pra River and Ankobra River).
• Loss of arable land, threatening food security.
• Health risks for miners and nearby communities due to toxic chemicals.
• Economic losses from unregulated gold exports and tax evasion.

Government Responses Over the Years

Successive governments have attempted to tackle galamsey through a mix of military interventions, policy frameworks, and public awareness campaigns:

• 2017–2020 (Akufo-Addo Era): Launch of Operation Vanguard, a military task force to dismantle illegal mining sites, and the establishment of the IMCIM to coordinate efforts.
• 2021–2024 (Mahama’s Return): Introduction of digital tracking systems (e.g., GoldBod) and community-based surveillance programs.

Despite these efforts, enforcement gaps and corruption have hindered progress, prompting calls for a more unified, long-term strategy.

Analysis: Why Continuity Matters

The Akufo-Addo Roadmap

The roadmap developed under Akufo-Addo was designed to be a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to combating galamsey. Key features included:

• Legal Reforms: Strengthening the Minerals and Mining Act to impose harsher penalties for illegal mining.
• Technology Integration: Deployment of satellite monitoring and digital licensing systems to track mining activities.
• Community Engagement: Involving local leaders in surveillance and reporting to reduce collusion.
• Alternative Livelihoods: Providing vocational training and agricultural support to displaced miners.

Bissue’s Critique: The Problem with Policy Resets

Charles Bissue’s remarks highlight a recurring issue in Ghana’s governance: the tendency to discard existing frameworks in favor of new, often similar, policies. This cycle leads to:

• Wasted Resources: Repeatedly drafting new policies diverts funds and effort from enforcement.
• Confusion Among Stakeholders: Frequent changes create uncertainty for miners, regulators, and communities.
• Erosion of Trust: Citizens and investors lose faith in the government’s commitment to long-term solutions.

Bissue argues that “the fight against galamsey is not rocket science”—it requires “sustained enforcement, supervision, and discipline.” The laws and strategies already exist; what’s missing is the political will to implement them rigorously.

Legal and Environmental Implications

Galamsey’s persistence has legal and environmental consequences:

• Violations of Environmental Laws: Illegal mining breaches the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act and Water Resources Commission regulations.
• Human Rights Concerns: Child labor and hazardous working conditions in galamsey sites violate international labor standards.
• Economic Costs: The World Bank estimates that Ghana loses $2.3 billion annually due to illegal mining’s environmental and social impacts.

Practical Advice for Stakeholders

For Government and Policymakers

• Prioritize Enforcement: Allocate more resources to monitoring and prosecution of illegal miners.
• Strengthen Inter-Agency Collaboration: Ensure seamless coordination between the Minerals Commission, EPA, and security agencies.
• Leverage Technology: Expand the use of drones and AI-driven analytics to detect and track illegal activities.
• Engage Traditional Leaders: Chiefs and local authorities play a crucial role in community policing.

For Local Communities

• Report Illegal Activities: Use platforms like the Galamsey Reporting App to alert authorities.
• Adopt Sustainable Mining: Encourage licensed small-scale mining with eco-friendly practices.
• Advocate for Alternatives: Push for government support in agroforestry and ecotourism as income sources.

For International Partners

• Fund Enforcement Programs: Donors should direct aid toward capacity-building for regulatory agencies.
• Support Tech Solutions: Invest in remote sensing and blockchain-based tracking for gold supply chains.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Galamsey?

Galamsey is a Ghanaian term for illegal small-scale gold mining, often conducted without licenses or environmental safeguards. It is a major driver of deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation.

Why is Policy Continuity Important in Fighting Galamsey?

Continuity ensures that proven strategies are refined and scaled rather than abandoned. It builds institutional memory and stakeholder trust, making enforcement more effective.

What is the GoldBod Initiative?

The GoldBod initiative is a digital tracking system designed to monitor gold transactions from mine to market, reducing the flow of illegally sourced gold.

How Can Communities Benefit from Legal Mining?

Legal mining provides stable incomes, safer working conditions, and community development funds (e.g., through the Minerals Development Fund).

What Are the Penalties for Galamsey in Ghana?

Under the Minerals and Mining Act (Act 703), offenders face fines up to GH₵15,000 (≈$1,200) and imprisonment for 5–15 years. However, enforcement remains inconsistent.

Conclusion

Ghana’s fight against galamsey is at a crossroads. While the Mahama administration’s adoption of Akufo-Addo’s roadmap signals a step toward policy continuity, success hinges on unwavering enforcement and cross-sector collaboration. Charles Bissue’s insights remind us that the solution lies not in reinventing policies but in disciplined implementation.

For Ghana to reclaim its environmental health and economic potential, all stakeholders—government, communities, and international partners—must commit to sustained action. The roadmap exists; the challenge now is to follow it.