Cape Coast - Dr. Suleman Dauda, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Coast, has suggested that a declaration of a state of emergency alone is insufficient to curb illegal mining activities, emphasizing that a change of mindset is critical to solving the menace in Ghana.
Dr. Dauda made these remarks on GBC Radio Central's 'Wɔnfrɛyie' show on Saturday, September 27, 2025. He highlighted that the challenges with illegal mining require multifaceted approaches, not just a state of emergency. "A state of emergency may be the way to go now since the problem has assumed alarming proportions and people want to see a complete halt, which is understandable," he said. He then asked rhetorically, "What new thing can be done to solve galamsey when a state of emergency is declared?"
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expert in extractive industries noted that he recently read material tracing Ghana's mining history back over 120 years. "This means mining has been with us since the Mali Empire, Songhay Empire, and the ancient Ghana Empire. It's the devastating negative effects and the proportions it has reached which have made it worrying," he stressed.
Furthermore, he mentioned that corruption of the mind is a major problem that could thwart state of emergency efforts. Dealing with this, he argued, must include education focused on renewing the Ghanaian mindset towards responsible mining and fostering a collective responsibility for environmental protection.
Regarding former President Mahama's position on declaring a state of emergency, Dr. Dauda agreed, suggesting that the current exigencies of the situation might require such a measure to halt all forms of illegal mining activities.
On the role of security forces in curbing the menace, he revealed that he was privy to training provided to the armed forces on enforcing regulations against illegal mining. "That is a good initiative from the government so the security forces would know how to deal with civilians should a state of emergency be declared. Very apt and commendable," he stated.
He underscored Ghana's lack of effective monitoring as a major challenge that has thwarted development in almost all facets of life, including mining. He contended that if monitoring were taken seriously, the country would have detected the destruction of water bodies early and prevented it from reaching its current level. He raised these concerns in relation to how the military would be deployed and what effective monitoring measures would be implemented to safeguard against excesses.
Outlining areas for government focus to win the fight against illegal mining, Dr. Dauda categorized the actors in galamsey operations into three groups:
1. Pit Labourers: Those involved in digging and manual jobs at mining sites.
2. Intermediaries: Those who supervise the pit labourers, often retired miners or former mining sector workers with significant experience.
3. Financiers: The main brains behind the operations who bankroll the entire activities.
He contended that if the government is serious about tackling illegal mining, it must identify and deal with the financiers. "How many of us can buy an excavator or a chanfan? These financiers are the main culprits and they need to be dealt with," he emphasized.
Dr. Dauda concluded by making a passionate appeal to all Ghanaians to support the government should it decide to declare a state of emergency. "The state of emergency declaration must be the collective responsibility of all Ghanaians to make it succeed. The government alone cannot win the fight against illegal mining," he stated.
Copyright © 1994 - 2025 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
