The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has stated that Ghana cannot win the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey,’ without providing alternative livelihoods for those involved.
According to him, many illegal miners are aware of the dangers of their activities but continue because they have no other means of survival.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Opare Addo acknowledged that the fight against galamsey, like any other battle, can be won—but only through a critical and sustainable approach.
“We have programmes, and for us to effectively fight galamsey, we must give them alternative livelihoods. They know the dangers associated with galamsey, but the money they are making is huge,” he stated.
He stressed that poverty in mining communities often pushes residents into illegal mining, and tackling this economic hardship is key to solving the menace.
“I have maintained that wherever there is gold and there is poverty, people will find a way of getting under the ground to find the gold,” he said.
As part of efforts to curb the practice, Opare Addo revealed that his ministry is working to integrate young people in mining areas into cooperatives focused on land reclamation, agriculture, and other skilled training programs to provide sustainable employment opportunities.
“As part of the Youth in Mining policies, we will push and sensitise people to engage in responsible mining,” he added.
The Minister further called for a collective effort to ensure the success of the fight against illegal mining.
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