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Media Coalition Against Galamsey: Why Prosecutions Are Crucial and Deportation Is Questioned

Introduction

The fight against illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” has reached a critical juncture in Ghana. As environmental degradation continues to threaten water bodies and forest reserves, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey is raising urgent concerns regarding the government’s enforcement strategies. In a recent statement, the coalition’s convenor, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has challenged the efficacy of the current deportation policy for foreign nationals involved in illegal mining. This article analyzes the coalition’s call for immediate prosecutions, the limitations of deportation as a deterrent, and the broader implications for Ghana’s anti-galamsey operations.

Key Points

Background

The State of Illegal Mining in Ghana

Galamsey remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges. Despite various government interventions, including “Operation Halt,” illegal mining activities persist, severely polluting major water bodies like the Birim River and destroying forest reserves. The involvement of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese miners, has complicated enforcement efforts, often bringing sophisticated machinery and organized networks into the equation.

The Role of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey

The Media Coalition Against Galamsey is a collective of media practitioners and civil society organizations dedicated to eradicating illegal mining. Led by Convener Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, the group acts as a watchdog, holding government agencies accountable for their promises to restore the environment. Their advocacy focuses on the implementation of sustainable policies rather than temporary fixes.

Analysis

Why Deportation is Viewed as “Retrogressive”

Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, speaking on Joy News’ On the Pulse, argued that the federal government’s policy of simply deporting foreigners caught in illegal mining is insufficient. Deportation is often viewed by international syndicates as a “cost of doing business” rather than a severe punishment. Without the threat of imprisonment and the seizure of assets, offenders can easily return or be replaced.

Ashigbey described the policy as “retrogressive” because it fails to dismantle the criminal networks financing these operations. He emphasized that the struggle against galamsey will continue to falter if the legal system does not impose lasting consequences on offenders.

The Failure to Prosecute

A central pillar of the coalition’s argument is the visible evidence of inaction: excavators. The presence of heavy mining equipment still sitting at illegal mining sites serves as a stark indicator that the judicial process has stalled. If arrests were leading to successful prosecutions, these assets would be confiscated, and the operators would be behind bars. Instead, the lack of movement suggests a bottleneck in the legal chain, from arrest to prosecution.

Recent Operations by NAIMOS and Forestry Commission

The urgency of the coalition’s statement is underscored by recent enforcement actions. On December 29, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Forestry Commission conducted simultaneous raids:

• Akyem Oda Forest: NAIMOS arrested five Chinese nationals involved in unauthorized mining and washing activities directly into the Birim River.
• Apamprama Forest Reserve: The Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response team apprehended 28 Chinese nationals and three Ghanaians. These miners had established camps under the guise of reclamation exercises, allegedly brought in by an individual named Alhassan.

While these arrests are commendable, the coalition argues that they are meaningless if they do not result in legal accountability.

Practical Advice

For Policy Makers

To effectively combat galamsey, the government must shift its strategy from administrative penalties to criminal litigation. The Interior Ministry and the Attorney General’s office need to streamline the prosecution of foreign illegal miners. This includes:

• Asset Forfeiture: Ensuring that all machinery used in illegal mining is confiscated and destroyed or auctioned for state benefit.
• Harmonizing Laws: Applying both the Minerals and Mining Act and environmental protection laws to ensure maximum sentencing.

For the Public

Citizens play a vital role in sustaining the fight. Communities must report illegal activities to the appropriate authorities and refuse to host or protect illegal miners. Supporting the Media Coalition Against Galamsey by sharing verified information helps maintain pressure on the government to act.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Media Coalition Against Galamsey has drawn a clear line in the sand: stopping illegal mining requires more than just arrests and deportations. As Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey highlighted, the continued presence of excavators and the lack of prosecutions signal a systemic failure in the legal response to galamsey. For the protection of Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves, the government must pivot toward a rigorous prosecution regime that ensures offenders face the full weight of the law. The recent arrests by NAIMOS and the Forestry Commission provide a foundation, but without judicial follow-through, the cycle of environmental destruction will continue.