Mr President, we need an urgent National Dialogue on Galamsey

Mr President, like many Ghanaians, I am excited about your return to office to continue your mission of building a better Ghana for all. I not only publicly supported your candidacy but also cast my vote for you in the December 2024 elections, which contributed to your decisive victory.

As you assemble your team to reset Ghana’s agenda, I must bring to your attention the urgent issue of High-Tech Galamsey (HTG), which continues to devastate our environment. Despite some efforts by the previous administration, the problem has worsened, and immediate, systematic action is needed to address this environmental crisis.

I have previously expressed my confidence in your ability to tackle this issue, and I still believe in your commitment. However, the time has come for concrete, sustainable solutions to be implemented on the ground.

Positive Steps Taken by Your Administration

1. 18-Member Technical Committee: In February 2025, your government established an 18-member committee through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology. This committee is tasked with reviewing mining licenses, assessing activities in forest reserves, and proposing solutions to stop mining in water bodies. This is a commendable first step. This Technical Committee's work would have been more effective if we first halted the Galamsey operations temporarily.

2. Public Statements on Galamsey: Your administration has made it clear that mining in water bodies and forest reserves will not be tolerated. However, despite these pronouncements, illegal miners continue to find ways to operate.

3. Joint Security Taskforce: The ongoing efforts of the Joint Security Taskforce to arrest illegal miners across the country are also praiseworthy. However, a more comprehensive approach, such as declaring a state of emergency, may be necessary to achieve significant results.

4. NDC Manifesto Initiatives: Your government’s initiatives, such as the Blue Water Initiative, Tree for Life Reforestation Program, and the involvement of local chiefs, are encouraging. However, these measures must be accompanied by an immediate halt to all illegal mining activities.

While these steps are positive, more tailored and urgent actions are needed to combat the HTG menace effectively!

What Will Not Work in the Fight Against Galamsey

1. Gradualist Approach: The gradualist approach taken by many Ghanaians to address this environmental crisis is deeply concerning. Lip service and half-hearted measures will not suffice. The situation is dire, and urgent, drastic actions are required.

2. Ad Hoc Measures: Piecemeal or ad hoc approaches will not solve the problem. The previous administration’s failure to effectively combat HTG was due in part to such inconsistent efforts.

3. Deliberate Delays: Delaying action will only exacerbate the environmental damage. The previous government’s complicity and the passage of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which allowed mining in forest reserves, only worsened the situation. Your administration must avoid repeating these mistakes.

What Will Work in the Fight Against Galamsey

1. Immediate National Dialogue on Galamsey (NDG): An urgent NDG is essential. This dialogue will allow your government to share its plans and measures with the public, fostering national buy-in and awareness of the HTG crisis.

2. Systematic Approach and Strict Enforcement: A systematic approach, coupled with strict enforcement of existing laws, is crucial. The LI 2462 should be repealed immediately to stop mining in forest reserves. Specific measures must be implemented to contain HTG and find lasting solutions.

3. Sustained Political Will: To ensure the success of these measures, there must be sustained political will to eradicate all forms of HTG. This includes pausing all small-scale mining operations, especially in forest reserves and water bodies, until a permanent solution is found.

4. Involvement of Local Communities: The participation of local and indigenous communities is vital. These communities are closest to the resources and can help identify and report illegal mining activities.

5. Exposing Saboteurs: Unlike the previous administration, your government must expose and hold accountable those who benefit from illegal HTG activities, regardless of their political or traditional affiliations.

Conclusion

Mr. President, the HTG menace is an ecological disaster waiting to happen if urgent steps are not taken. Just as national dialogues on education and the economy have been crucial, an NDG is urgently needed to address this crisis. This dialogue will provide a clear picture of the destruction caused by illegal mining and help educate Ghanaians on the importance of environmental conservation.

I remain confident in your ability to lead this fight. The majority of Ghanaians support your efforts to find lasting solutions to this environmental threat.

While a state of emergency has not yet been declared, I hope the NDG will lead to actionable, widely accepted measures to finally win the fight against HTG. I am convinced this national consultative approach will work better than previous attempts regarding this HTG fight.