Environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor has attributed the limited success of the National Alternative Illegal Mining Operations Strategy (NAIMOS) in tackling galamsey, particularly in forest reserves, to political interference.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Erastus claimed that some New Democratic Congress (NDC) members at constituency, branch, and district levels are allowing illegal mining to continue in forest reserves.
“When this happens, NAIMOS is unable to stop the activities. I can tell you on authority that some big men even claim ownership of these reserves and permit illegal mining,” he said.
He noted that the Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP) taskforce has been the only effective force in seizing excavators and arresting offenders.
“It’s sad that now they are being asked to withdraw their services, because there is no effective arrangement to protect the gains already made,” Erastus said.
He added that some forest reserves in the Ashanti Region, where excavators were seized, have already seen illegal miners return.
“Even some chiefs in those areas are allowing people to mine illegally,” he claimed.
Erastus stressed the need for a more structured approach.
“We cannot rule a country like this. If we want to mine in forest reserves, let us create laws, allow bidding, issue licenses, and do it properly. Allowing people to mine illegally will never help us.”
Asked if he had raised the issue with the sector minister, he confirmed that he was aware of the situation.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama, in a recent media encounter, stated that he was exploring all available options in the fight against galamsey before considering the declaration of a state of emergency.
Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy
ALSO READ:
- Erastus Asare Donkor, Ama Mawusi clash over galamsey [Listen]
- How has gov’t failed in galamsey fight? Ama Mawusi questions critics…
- Portion of Tarkwa market caves in; exposes deadly galamsey threat [Audio]
