Impose levies on ‘galamseyers’

Dr. Francis M. Tetteh, President of the Soil Science Society of Ghana (SSSG), has urged government to impose levies on ‘Galamseyers.’

Speaking at a symposium organized by SSSG in Accra, he said the levies could be given to Minerals Commission for proper management and use.

Dr. Tetteh called on government to come out with creative means of regulating the activities of ‘galamseyers.’

He said despite the negative impact of the activities of ‘Galamseyers’ on the environment, they still provide jobs and livelihood for millions of people in rural areas.

“It would be better if they are brought on board and given training on sustainable mining practices and supported with modern technologies on mining,” Dr. Tetteh said.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Artisanal mining and its impact on agricultural productivity in Ghana,’ he called for regular interaction between the SSSG and the public in order to stimulate interest in soil issues.

Meanwhile, mining companies in the country have been urged to embrace the ‘Free, Prior and Informed Consent’ (FPIC) concept.

Hannah Owusu Koranteng, Associate Executive Director of the Association of Communities Affected by Mining, who made the appeal, said the concept required companies to secure the FPIC of communities affected by extractive industry projects prior to initiating activities.

‘Free prior and informed consent (FPIC) is the principle that a community has the right to give or withhold its consent to proposed projects that may affect the lands they customarily own, occupy or otherwise use.

She said all communities that could potentially be impacted by extractive industry projects have the right to access full information and participate meaningfully in negotiations.