The Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) has described the government’s current approach to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as one of trial and error.
According to the General Secretary of the GMWU, Abdul-Moomin Gbana, although the government has introduced several initiatives to address the problem, it has yet to deal with the issue comprehensively.
Speaking on Walatu Walasa on CLOG TV on the topic, “Mining and the Ghanaian Worker: Safety, Welfare and the Realities of Labour in the Extractive Sector,” Gbana renewed calls for President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency to tackle the menace.
“We believe that such a declaration would elevate the issue to the level of a national security concern. When a matter is treated as a national security issue, the resources mobilized and the urgency with which it is addressed are significantly different. Until that happens, it will largely remain business as usual,” he said.
Gbana argued that the government’s efforts so far lack a coherent and coordinated strategy.
“I would say that what we are seeing appears more like trial and error. We keep trying different approaches to see what works, but I do not believe there is a well-organized, focused, and coordinated strategy aimed at completely eradicating illegal mining,” he stated.
He further noted that despite the change in administration and the introduction of some policy measures, including the repeal of provisions that allowed mining in forest reserves, illegal mining activities continue unabated.
“Indeed, since the transition from the previous administration, we have not seen any major breakthrough in the fight against galamsey. While there have been some policy measures, including the repeal of provisions that permitted mining in forest reserves, illegal mining activities continue,” he added.
Listen to Abdul-Moomin Gbana in the audio clip below:
Watch the full interview below:
