Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Michael Ayamga-Adongo, has cautioned against depending solely on the declaration of a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, warning that such an approach could prove counterproductive.
His remarks come in response to growing calls from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and sections of the public for stronger measures against galamsey, following the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including that of the Minister for Environment, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
The victims were travelling to Obuasi for the launch of the government’s Cooperative Mining Initiative, designed to curb illegal mining.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Friday, August 15, Prof. Ayamga-Adongo acknowledged the urgent need for action but urged caution, stressing that poorly designed interventions could backfire.
He advocated for a comprehensive strategy that not only confronts the environmental destruction caused by galamsey but also addresses the economic factors that sustain it, including the livelihoods of those engaged in the practice.
According to him, enforcement alone will not suffice unless the underlying incentives driving people into illegal mining are removed.
“The solution to fighting galamsey is not stopping mining. Some confuse legal mining with illegal mining. Yes, people are calling for a state of emergency, but we must remember that such a move could also produce negative consequences, including abuses and further destruction.
A holistic approach is required – one that recognises galamsey as both an economic and environmental problem. It is about creating jobs, retraining young people who have spent years in galamsey without skills for other sectors, and funding initiatives that help them start small businesses. That is how to reduce the appetite for galamsey,” he explained.
Source: Adomonline
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