A new initiative aimed at improving oversight and accountability in Ghana’s mining sector has been launched in Accra, with stakeholders calling for a shift from enforcement-driven approaches to stronger local governance systems.
The District Assemblies Mining Tracker and Challenge, developed by SysGlo Consulting and JPRS, in collaboration with the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies of the University of Ghana, is designed to guide, monitor and evaluate the performance of district assemblies in enforcing responsible mining practices.
The initiative was unveiled during a stakeholder workshop held in Accra last week.
Launching the tracker, Environmental Expert John Boakye Danquah, described it as a practical tool to support district-level authorities in addressing the growing challenges associated with mining, particularly illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He noted that while national policies have been strengthened over the years, there remains a critical gap in governance at the local level, which continues to undermine effective regulation of mining activities.
A Climate Scientist at the Centre, Yaw Agyeman Boafo, speaking on behalf of the research team emphasised that the galamsey phenomenon is often misunderstood.
“Over the years, we have treated galamsey primarily as a law enforcement issue, but what we see on the ground tells a completely different story,” he said.
According to him, illegal mining is not only a criminal issue but also a complex economic and livelihood system, deeply rooted in local governance structures.
He explained that engagements with miners, traditional leaders and district officials revealed widespread concerns about exclusion, lack of resources and weak coordination among institutions.
“Young people tell us they are not criminals, but jobless and seeking livelihoods. Chiefs question decisions taken without their involvement, while district officials say they lack the authority and tools to effectively manage the situation,” he added.
Mr Boafo stressed that the solution lies in building inclusive systems that allow legal participation, effective monitoring and community involvement, rather than relying solely on enforcement measures such as crackdowns.
He further called for a renewed focus on district-level governance, accountability and coordination, noting that sustainable solutions would only emerge when institutions are redesigned to function effectively at the local level.
Also speaking at the event, the District Chief Executive for the Atiwa East, Ernest Owusu Ntim, indicated the practical challenges faced by local authorities in managing mining activities.
He said district leadership often operates under difficult conditions, including security threats, public criticism and conflicts of interest, especially when enforcement actions affect livelihoods.
“Districts are closest to the problem, yet our authority is sometimes unclear, our resources are limited and coordination within the national system can be improved,” he stated.
Mr Ntim noted that while communities are increasingly showing willingness to support efforts to restore degraded lands and protect water bodies, inconsistent monitoring and weak enforcement structures allow illegal activities to quickly resume.
He, therefore, called for increased support, adequate resourcing and clear mandates for district assemblies to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
The District Assemblies Mining Tracker is expected to serve as a tool for measuring performance, promoting transparency and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders, as Ghana intensifies efforts to tackle illegal mining and promote sustainable resource management.
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