Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
A government advisory team tasked with curbing illegal mining (galamsey) faced resistance from National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials and miners in the Western and Central regions.
The team, led by Rear Admiral (Rtd) Moses Beick-Baffour, seized equipment, including pumping machines, generators, and excavators, and destroyed Changfan machines at galamsey sites in Anwia, Prestea, and Dunkwa.
However, NDC officials and miners pushed back, arguing that they had not been consulted before the raid. Tensions escalated in Dunkwa, where miners, backed by the NDC Constituency Chairman, blocked roads and threatened a standoff with security personnel.
The government’s efforts to curb environmental destruction caused by galamsey operations have been met with resistance from some communities.
Residents, frustrated with the government’s failure to curb galamsey operations, lamented the long-term damage to their communities.
The government team’s resolve remains unshaken, despite the hostility. The crackdown on galamsey operations is expected to continue, with the government determined to enforce environmental laws and protect the country’s natural resources.
The incident highlights the complex issues surrounding galamsey operations in Ghana, including governance, local complicity, and the enforcement of environmental laws.
The government faces an uphill battle in balancing the need to protect the environment with the economic and social realities of communities dependent on galamsey.
As the crackdown on galamsey continues, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on employment and livelihoods in affected communities. The government has pledged to provide alternative livelihood programs for those affected.
The NDC party has initiated a more nuanced approach that takes into account the complex social and economic dynamics at play.
The galamsey issue has become a major political football in the country, with the ruling party seeking to capitalize on the issue. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the fight against galamsey will require a sustained and multi-faceted approach that addresses the complex underlying issues driving this destructive practice.
