Richard Kojo Ellimah, a Natural Resource Governance Analyst, has cast doubt on the government’s genuine commitment to addressing illegal small-scale mining in Ghana, commonly known as galamsey.
Ellimah argues that illegal mining continues to increase despite numerous institutions and legal frameworks designed to combat the problem.
“If we have all these arrangements already in place, and we are seeing the galamsey menace become more endemic each day, then can anyone convince me that the government is ready to deal with this?” Ellimah questioned, suggesting that the real issue lies with the government’s lack of political will.
Amid increasing public outrage over illegal mining, various stakeholders—including chiefs, civil society organizations, professional associations, and organized labour—have expressed frustration with the government’s perceived inaction.
However, Ellimah still needs to be convinced about the potential for this renewed public interest to effect meaningful change.
“Ghanaians have repeatedly demonstrated that they are only good at talking,” he told Connect FM.
He predicted that the current wave of interest would soon dissipate, following a familiar pattern of brief outcry followed by inaction.
“When an issue arises, we will talk about it for a day or two and then move on to another issue without addressing the fundamental problems.”
Ellimah highlighted the ongoing distress calls from entities like the Ghana Water Company regarding the devastating effects of galamsey on water bodies.
He recalled that civil society groups such as WACAM and the Third World Network have been campaigning against illegal mining for two decades but have faced criticism and lack of support.
“I remember when I started advocating against illegal small-scale mining, I came under intense criticism for allegedly being against development,” Ellimah said.
He pointed out that the consequences of galamsey are now being felt more broadly, affecting food and water quality across the country.
In addressing how to stop illegal mining, Ellimah asserted that only the government possesses the authority and capability to end the crisis, provided it demonstrates the necessary political will.
“If the government wants galamsey stopped today, this very minute, it can happen,” he concluded.
