Hon. Umar Yusif, Independent Candidate for Dormaa West in the 2024 general elections has commended the government of His Excellency the President for its continued efforts to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He noted that the government’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s natural resources and protecting the environment is laudable, but warned that internal corruption and institutional compromise are undermining progress.
“Mr. President, I must speak with sincerity — the fight against galamsey is being weakened from within. Some individuals within government structures and sections of our security agencies are deeply involved in, or provide protection to, illegal miners. They leak operational information and take bribes to shield galamsey operators. Until this internal problem is addressed, it will be difficult to win this battle,” Hon. Yusif stated.
He further urged that the cleansing and reform process must start from within government and enforcement agencies, to restore public confidence and ensure genuine accountability.
Hon. Yusif also advised that before considering a state of emergency, the government should focus on tackling the root causes of the problem — particularly unemployment and poverty among the youth in mining communities.
“Many young people engage in galamsey out of economic desperation. Without creating sustainable alternatives, enforcement alone will not solve the problem. We must provide jobs and opportunities so that our citizens can earn a living without destroying the environment,”
he added.
To strengthen the national effort against illegal mining, Hon. Yusif proposed the following key measures:
1. Introduce Regulated Community Mining Schemes:
Empower responsible Ghanaians to mine under strict environmental supervision, ensuring that the benefits remain within local communities.
2. Create Alternative Livelihood Programs:
Establish nationwide projects in agriculture, afforestation, and vocational training to absorb unemployed youth and reduce dependence on illegal mining.
3. Adopt Technology-Based Monitoring:
Utilize drones, satellite systems, and digital mapping tools to detect and monitor illegal mining activities in real time.
4. Ensure Accountability in Security Agencies:
Form an independent investigative body to identify and sanction officers who aid or protect illegal miners.
5. Rehabilitate Destroyed Lands and Rivers:
Implement community-driven reclamation and reforestation projects to restore damaged ecosystems.
6. Enhance Public Awareness:
Intensify education campaigns on the environmental, health, and economic dangers of galamsey.
7. Engage Traditional Authorities:
Partner with chiefs, opinion leaders, and local assemblies in monitoring and reporting illegal mining operations.
8. Prioritize Ghanaians in the Mining Sector:
Give responsible Ghanaians greater access to legal mining opportunities instead of allowing foreign dominance in small-scale mining.
Hon. Umar Yusif emphasized that the fight against galamsey must be both firm and fair, combining enforcement with compassion and opportunity.
“The fight against galamsey requires honesty, courage, and unity. Together, we can protect our forests, restore our rivers, and ensure that the natural wealth of our country benefits Ghanaians first,”
he concluded.
Source yagbonradioonline
