Accra: As illegal mining, known as 'galamsey', continues to threaten Ghana's environment and mining sector, the country faces a critical juncture in addressing this menace, a practice that has devastated ecosystems, polluted water bodies, and undermined the integrity of the mining sector.
According to Ghana News Agency, despite relentless enforcement efforts, progress remains limited without a fundamental shift in how Ghana manages and invests in its mineral resources. Central to this transformation is strategic investment in geological surveys, an underutilized but powerful tool. Such surveys have the potential to reshape Ghana's mining future by turning disorder into clarity and exploitation into sustainable development.
For decades, illegal miners have operated largely in the dark, exploring lands without proper geological data and often causing environmental degradation and social unrest. This challenge stems partly from a lack of accessible, mapped-out mineral-rich zones. If the state does not know precisely where its resources are located, regulating mining activities becomes nearly impossible.
Geological surveys provide crucial information on the type, location, and quantity of mineral deposits across the country. With accurate data, the Minerals Commission and other regulators can properly zone areas, allocate concessions fairly, and support small-scale miners through formalization. More importantly, it enables proactive regulation, monitoring operations, and enforcing environmental standards with clarity and authority.
Mr. Martin Ayisi, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, highlighted at a training workshop for journalists the need for Ghana to invest in geological investigations and strictly adhere to designated mining block-out areas. He stressed that this focused approach is essential for Ghana's sustainable mining future and confirmed that the efforts have already begun. According to Mr. Ayisi, 90 percent of the solution to illegal mining lies in identifying suitable areas for miners to operate.
Mr. Ayisi believes that addressing illegal mining in Ghana is a long-term effort that cannot be achieved overnight. While the problem is deeply rooted, several bold and strategic measures have already been implemented to combat the menace and promote responsible mining practices across the country. He explained that most sites have been visited, and efforts are underway to properly formalize their operations.
Mr. Ayisi stated that the Minerals Commission has no issues with lawful miners and has intensified regulation efforts, including collaborating closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many miners operating without proper licenses or approvals have been identified, and steps are underway to grant them the necessary authorization.
Mr. Ayisi highlighted reforms at the heart of the amendment bill to Ghana's 2014 mining policy and the nearly 20-year-old Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), including the abolition of Development Agreements (DAs). These special agreements, which shielded companies from certain taxes and levies, will be scrapped.
Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, believes the time has come for Ghana to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) to reflect the country's evolving mining landscape. He underscored the importance of aligning legal reforms with development initiatives in mining districts.
Professor Emmanuel Arhin, a Geoscientist, during his second professorial inaugural lecture, said small-scale mining has evolved from using rudimentary equipment to semi-mechanized and mechanized operations. He encouraged ASGM operators to follow systematic geological methods to mine responsibly and safeguard environmental integrity.
According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15, which seeks to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, managing forests and halting land degradation is vital for sustaining human life. The UN believes that halting deforestation and restoring terrestrial ecosystems is essential to reducing the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity.
The Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana, led by Mr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has renewed its call for the government to declare a state of emergency in communities affected by illegal mining activities. The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has also issued a strong statement condemning illegal mining and demanding decisive action from the government.
As Ghana reviews its mining laws and policies, prioritizing geological exploration must become a national development strategy. A well-mapped country is a well-managed one, and only by knowing what lies beneath can Ghana truly harness its mineral wealth sustainably and responsibly and safeguard its environment.