Policy analyst Steve Manteaw has condemned Ghana’s approach to combating illegal mining (galamsey), labeling current tactics as ineffective “theatrics.”
His criticism specifically targets Minerals Development Fund Administrator Hannah Bisiw’s strategy, which he argues disproportionately focuses on Chinese miners while ignoring Ghanaian collaborators.
In a public statement, Manteaw questioned the operational priorities: “The biggest challenge facing Ghana’s fight against illegal mining is vested interest. The Ghanaian kingpins who never get paraded along with their Chinese accomplices are the ones to tackle.” He characterized the enforcement as pretentious and questioned its discriminatory focus, urging authorities to confront local kingpins if genuinely committed to addressing the crisis.
Manteaw’s remarks underscore broader concerns about enforcement consistency and vested interests undermining environmental protection efforts. His intervention follows intensified government actions against galamsey, including recent task force deployments and whistleblower incentives.
