Galamsey Menace: High rate of unemployment could be a factor - Lecturer

Prof. Kwamena Banford, a visiting lecturer and professor at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) says illegal mining also known as galamsey is due to the failure of our economic systems to create jobs. Our educational system he explained does not help us and can be part or factors leading to galamsey.

However, they do not justify the cause of galamsey. What is happening is because we have failed to enforce our laws. He slammed politicians, chiefs, the military and other security officials who he stated hand over riffles to foreigners who engage in illegal mining activities. Prof. Banford said, ‘’the truth be told, traditional rulers, immigration officers are part of galamsey.

They supply illegal miners with guns and equipment in return of gold. This is a blatant violation of our laws and regulations- and its’ about time we enforce our laws to deal with the menace once and for all.’’ Government must declare a moratorium and when they fail to listen, we can then apply force with the help of other security officers.

He has also urged government to go parliament, lay a motion or a certificate of urgency stating that galamsey is a threat to our national life and security and ‘’for the next six months or something, government can use the CID and other security agencies to deal with the problem.’’

He further called on government to create jobs for the unemployed youth and focus on the gold and mine industry with strict enforcement, training of Ghanaians so we will benefit immensely in that area.

On the decision by the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) to drag government to the International Criminal Court (ICC), he said, it is within their right to do so but he admonished them to dialogue with government so an agreement could be reached.