One of the major problems confronting Ghana today is illegal mining, which is popularly known as galamsey. Because those engaged in it are not trained miners, they destroy the environment with careless abandon. As we indicated in this column a few days ago, most of the streams or creeks in our rural areas that serve as sources of drinking water for our people have stated drying up, especially during the dry season.
Since these river bodies pass through thick forest, they should have been able to withstand the harsh weather condition, but that is not the case. They are drying up because the forest cover have been destroyed by illegal miners. The government is now spending millions of Ghana cedis to drill bore holes in the rural communities, for the people to have access to safe drinking water.
The big rivers – Ankobrah, Densu, Offing, Pra – which serve as sources of drinking water for most of our towns and cities are also facing threat of extinction. Since the water in these rivers are not wholesome, the Ghana Water Company is spending millions of cedis to treat the water.
Though Ghanaians were doing galamsey in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s – it never led to the destruction of our water bodies as the country is experiencing now. The big question is – what has led to the current situation the country has found itself? The answer, we dare say, lies in the conduct of politicians and big time businessmen who have joined the fray.
These big men staying in their plush mansions in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi among others have bought excavators, which are being used to destroy the environment in the name of mining. And because these people have access to power, controlling them is always difficult for the government of the day.
Indeed, about two or so years ago, Joy News did a story where heavily armed soldiers had been deployed into one of the forest reserves in Ashanti region to protect illegal miners who were destroying the forest. This alone tells a story that those who have access to the political class are the very people destroying the environment. It has, therefore, not come as a surprise to many that when it comes to the galamsey fight, the government of the day is always dragging her feet.
The Chronicle is, however, happy that the Minister designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Kofi Armah Buah, is promising to change the narrative. Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament yesterday, he issued a strong warning against illegal mining, stating that the government will take decisive action against anyone who flouts the law.
“We will provide a clear pathway for those who want to mine legally with government support, but we will ruthlessly deal with anybody who decides to operate outside the law. Illegal mining will not be tolerated. It doesn’t matter your political party,” he warned. This is really a strong statement coming from the incoming sector minister, but as to whether he will enforce its implementation is another story.
We nevertheless trust the former Energy Minister that he will honour his words by dealing ruthlessly with illegal miners flouting our mining laws without thinking about whose ox is gored. As we earlier indicated, galamsey has set this country on the path of self-destruction and we need a leader who will put his feet down and ensure that the right things are done. It is our hope that Mr Kofi Armah Blay will not fail the nation, but will ensure that illegal mining has been stopped in the country.
