Omanghana
Legal practitioner and public policy commentator Kwame Jantuah has called for a temporary suspension of small-scale mining, arguing that Ghana needs time to reorganize the sector and address the environmental destruction associated with illegal operations.
Jantuah has questioned why the government cannot impose a two- to three-year moratorium to allow a comprehensive restructuring of mining activities. He maintains that stronger intervention is necessary to protect the country’s natural resources from the continuing effects of galamsey.
His proposal builds on earlier calls for authorities to target the individuals financing illegal mining, including politically connected operators, rather than concentrating enforcement solely on those working at mining sites.
He argued that efforts to contain the problem would remain ineffective unless financiers and political actors involved in illegal operations were investigated and prosecuted.
He urged the government and institutions responsible for environmental protection to enforce the law impartially, regardless of an offender’s political affiliation.
Jantuah has also warned that illegal mining could undermine other economic opportunities. During discussion on Asaase Radio’s The Forum, he raised concerns about galamsey spreading into areas identified for onshore oil exploration.
He said a temporary mining ban would provide an opportunity to establish a sector that is both commercially viable and environmentally sustainable, while preventing further damage to areas important to Ghana’s future development.
Source: Omanghana
Source: Omanghana
