Mining Consultant Dr Kenneth Bansahhas argued that dismissing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) over the continued prevalence of illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, will not solve the problem, insisting that accountability should be based on evidence of individual involvement, negligence or complicity.
Below is his write-up:
Over the years, there have been repeated calls for MMDCEs to be dismissed if galamsey continues within their jurisdictions. This year, the calls have resurfaced and appear to be gaining momentum.
I understand the concern, but I do not think dismissing MMDCEs because galamsey is occurring in their areas will address the problem. We may end up changing MMDCEs while the illegal mining activities continue.
MMDCEs certainly have responsibilities in the fight against galamsey. As chairs of the local security councils, they cannot distance themselves from illegal mining activities occurring within their areas. They should know what is happening and coordinate with the relevant security institutions to address it.
There may also be cases where galamsey continues with the connivance of an MMDCE. If there is evidence that an MMDCE is facilitating, protecting, or benefiting from illegal mining, that is a different matter. The appointment can be terminated, and prosecution can follow where an offence has been committed.
But dismissing an MMDCE solely because galamsey exists within the municipality or district will not solve the problem. 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗠𝗗𝗖𝗘’𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲. Replace the person today, and the illegal mining networks can continue tomorrow.
Galamsey is a complex problem involving several actors and institutions. If we want to hold MMDCEs accountable, let us assess what they did, failed to do, or facilitated. The occurrence of galamsey within their jurisdictions should not automatically be treated as evidence of complicity.
Sacking an MMDCE may remove an individual. It does not necessarily stop the illegal mining activities.
Kenneth Bansah, PhD, PE
