The Catholic Standard lends its support to the various Institutions in Ghana in an effort to sustain the campaign against illegal mining (galamsey) which is causing a lot of destruction to farmlands and water bodies.
The exercise being carried out by the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Mr. John Peter Amewu, appears to be gaining ground; but unfortunately knowing the attitude of Ghanaians, if the operation is not sustained and the laws enforced, the miners will be back at their pits sooner than later.
Secondly, the Minister’s effort should not be left to him and his Ministry alone; it needs a concerted effort from other Ministries like the Local Government, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Sanitation and Water Resources.
The miners have already caused a lot of havoc through the poisoning of rivers and other water bodies with mercury and cyanide in their quest for gold.
In Ghana, there is hardly any serious research done on the effects of the mercury and cyanide, however from investigation done in other countries, it is clear that in such operations a high percentage of residents usually suffer from the harmful effects of these chemicals. It is believed that mercury is entering the food chain through fish in polluted rivers.
It has also been scientifically proven that high mercury exposure harms the nervous, digestive and immune systems, thus leading to impaired vision and hearing, and in some cases death.
Beyond the seizure of equipment, the Government through its various Agencies should look for clues on the illicit business interests behind the miners. It is really sad that some Chiefs, landowners and even politicians are involved in these negative activities. Any long-term or lasting solution must be based on having more monitors on the ground, graver punishments meted out to offenders and a focus on those hiring the miners and supplying them with the mining equipment.
More importantly, there is the need for Parliament to pass a Bill banning the illegal exploitation of gold and other metals in the country. Last week, this Paper carried a story on how El Salvador has managed to pass such a Bill. Indeed, it is the first country in the world to have done so.
Since the fight against galamsey will be a life-long one The Catholic Standard appeals to the Government through the local Assemblies of the affected areas to endeavour to find alternative ways of livelihood for the miners otherwise we will not win the war against illegal mining.
Meanwhile, we commend the President of Ghana for re-affirming his position that he will not renege on his fight against the galamsey menace for political expediency.
