Yaw Nsarkoh, a member of the Ghana Anti-Galamsey Coalition, has criticized the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as being grossly insufficient.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, October 12, Mr Nsarkoh expressed disappointment in the measures implemented so far, stating that they have failed to address the scale of destruction caused by galamsey across the country.
He emphasised that the government’s current interventions have not made a significant impact in curbing illegal mining activities, as evidenced by the continued degradation of Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests.
Mr Nsarkoh pointed out that despite the many promises and actions taken by the government, illegal miners still operate with impunity, threatening the country’s natural resources and public health.
He further noted that tackling galamsey requires more than just surface-level initiatives; it calls for a comprehensive and sustained approach that includes strict enforcement of laws, transparency in the mining sector, and holding perpetrators accountable.
He argued that, the government’s efforts have not gone far enough in creating a deterrent for illegal mining operators, allowing the crisis to persist.
Mr Nsarkoh called on the government to intensify its fight by implementing more robust policies and working closely with stakeholders, including civil society and local communities.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and actively support initiatives aimed at ending illegal mining to safeguard the country’s environment for future generations.
“There is a danger that we get focused on intermediate steps and the debates about this specific measure or that specific measure, but the concerns that have been put forward is that we solve this problem and that is what we are focused on.”
“If you look at the commitments that have been made by the government, they are okay and can’t be dismissed completely but we have listened to all the experts who know the mining industry inside out and can tell the damage we are facing.
“The point therefore that is being made by the coalition is that these measures that have been made known pleasing as they may be signalling that some seriousness is being attached to this now are grossly insufficient.”
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