THE nation cannot afford to lose the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. The destruction of our rivers, forests and farmlands threatens public health, livelihoods and the future of generations yet unborn.
Every genuine effort to reverse the damage deserves support, but progress must be measured by lasting results rather than promises.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says it is gradually winning the fight against galamsey.
Its operational figures offer grounds for cautious optimism. Between June 13 and September 30 this year, it seized more than 100 excavators and 551 water pumps and destroyed approximately 1,970 chanfang machines used for illegal mining.
It also conducted 738 operational activities covering approximately 50,662 kilometres.
These figures suggest that enforcement efforts are being intensified across several regions. Reports of improving water quality in the Tano, Bia, Ankobra and Birim rivers are equally encouraging.
However, the true measure of success will not be the number of machines seized or destroyed, or arrests made. It will be whether our rivers become cleaner, forest reserves remain protected and communities can depend on these natural resources without fear of further destruction.
That is why the warning by the Director of Operations of NAIMOS, Colonel Kwame Sam Appiah, that illegal miners must not be allowed to return to cleared areas is particularly important.
“We cannot go into an area, clear it and allow the illegal miners to return when we leave,” he said.
This must guide the national effort against galamsey. Clearing an area without maintaining surveillance and enforcing the law merely allows illegal operators to resume their activities after security personnel withdraw.
Such a cycle wastes public resources and undermines confidence in the authorities.
NAIMOS’s plan to extend river protection operations to two additional major water bodies before the end of the year is welcome.
The proposed deployment of a dedicated riverine unit, working with the Ghana Navy to patrol the Ankobra under Operation Water Shield, could help prevent illegal miners from returning to cleared sites.
The planned Operation Green Shield to protect the Atewa Forest Reserve is equally important. The transition from military enforcement to monitoring by institutions such as the Forestry Commission must be carefully managed to prevent a security vacuum.
Yet enforcement alone cannot end galamsey. Traditional authorities and local communities must remain active partners.
Chiefs who provide information and invite NAIMOS into their communities demonstrate the value of local cooperation. Such partnerships must be strengthened, while residents reporting illegal activities should be protected from intimidation.
The government must also address the economic pressures that draw people into illegal mining.
Alternative livelihoods and responsible community mining schemes can help, provided they are properly regulated and do not become a cover for destructive practices.
Arrests must lead to diligent investigations and prosecutions. Seizing equipment will have limited deterrent effect if offenders can return to illegal operations without facing the consequences.
NAIMOS must sustain its operations and provide regular updates on river quality, forest protection, prosecutions and efforts to prevent illegal mining from returning to cleared areas.
Colonel Appiah’s declaration that “The water bodies are no-go areas. The forest reserves are no-go areas” must translate into consistent action.
Protecting Ghana’s natural heritage is a national responsibility.
The fight against galamsey must continue until the gains are secure, our rivers are restored and our forests are protected for future generations.
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