Ghana illegal mining debate intensifies over enforcement effectiveness

Debate continues in Ghana regarding the effectiveness of government efforts to combat 'galamsey', or illegal mining. Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, criticized current measures, stating that government actions create an impression of seriousness without producing real progress, and asserting that the illegal mining crisis is actually worse than before.

In response to the ongoing issue, Akwatia MP Bernard Bediako Baidoo has called for the permanent deployment of National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) officers at illegal mining hotspots. Baidoo emphasized that officers should remain stationed at these sites to prevent miners from returning once enforcement teams depart. He also highlighted the need for increased funding and the timely release of budgetary allocations to support NAIMOS operations.

The Mahama administration has previously reported several interventions, including the registration of earth-moving equipment with tracking devices, the deployment of Blue Water Guards, and the establishment of NAIMOS to coordinate operations across 21 hotspots. Despite these measures, civil society groups continue to demand a state of emergency to address the destruction of water bodies, forest reserves, and cocoa farms.