Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Terlarbi has warned that Ghana risks losing the battle against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, if pragmatic and innovative steps are not taken, particularly in dealing with foreign nationals involved in the practice.
Speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express, he defended the Interior Ministry’s recent directive to the Inspector General of Police to transfer all regional, divisional, and district commanders in mining zones, stating that the decision was necessary but should be accompanied by broader reforms for effective implementation.
“In fact, if we don’t take care, we are going to lose this fight again,” he stated in a candid assessment of the government’s own approach. “The situation on hand—we cannot do things the same way and think we’ll have different results. We need to be a little innovative.”
The directive, issued by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, has sparked both support and criticism. It includes the controversial decision to deport foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining, rather than prosecuting them in Ghana’s courts.
Mr. Terlarbi acknowledged the debate surrounding the policy but insisted it was driven by practical constraints.
“We know when it comes to litigation in this country, dealing with our courts, it can sometimes be very frustrating,” he said. “We have instances where people are arrested, and we prefer repatriating them rather than taking them through our courts.”
He elaborated on the complexities of foreign involvement in galamsey, explaining that arrested foreigners often complicate the legal process. “They tell you ‘Take me to court.’ They have lawyers, which is their right. But then they also claim they don’t have passports, and their identities become difficult to establish. Once they get into the system, it’s difficult to track them.”
When questioned about the perceived double standard—where Ghanaians face court proceedings while foreigners are simply deported—Mr. Terlarbi acknowledged the optics could be troubling but emphasized the logistical challenges.
“You arrest about 80 Chinese nationals, and you have to find a place to keep them. Even vehicles to take them to court become a problem. You go to court, and they succeed in getting bail. Then what? Where do you house them? We’re talking about 1,400 inmates already in our prisons, and even feeding them is a problem.”
While he refrained from providing full details, Mr. Terlarbi hinted at ongoing efforts beyond public knowledge. “There are a few things I wouldn’t like to disclose on air or in public,” he added. “But there’s so much going on.”
The Deputy Minister’s comments highlight the growing concerns within the government that the fight against illegal mining, which has long been undermined by corruption, weak enforcement, and lack of political will, may falter once again without the implementation of clear systems of accountability and sustainable enforcement.
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