As Ghana intensifies its efforts to combat illegal mining activities, Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, has called for a more nuanced approach in addressing the issue. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between licensed small-scale miners and individuals engaged in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
In a recent interview, Dr. Afriye stated, “We should not mix them up; there is a clear distinction that we need to understand. There should be punitive measures against illegal miners who are destroying the environment, which is a national call. However, we need to draw the line between illegal miners and small-scale miners. Some small-scale miners have licenses and are practicing responsible mining.”
The MP's comments come amid ongoing national debates about the environmental and socio-economic impacts of illegal mining. Some stakeholders have even proposed declaring a state of emergency to address the crisis. While Dr. Afriye did not dismiss this proposal, he emphasized the need for any such action to be carefully considered and aligned with Ghana’s broader economic context.
His remarks follow recent declarations by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who has designated Ghana’s forest reserves and river bodies as Security Zones. This move is part of a broader strategy to protect critical ecosystems from illegal mining operations.
To enforce these protections, personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) will be permanently stationed in these areas. Since its inception in June, NAIMOS has recorded significant achievements, including the arrest of over 1,000 illegal miners and the recovery of previously degraded forest lands.
Authorities remain optimistic that combining law enforcement with education, technological innovation, and support for alternative livelihoods will bring about sustainable transformation in Ghana’s mining sector.
Source: The Ghana Report
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