By Elizabeth PUNSU
The Research Scientists Association (RSA)-Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) have called on government to take urgent and sustained action to stop the illegal mining (galamsey) menace in the country.
The two bodies, in a joint press release signed by National President-Research Staff Association, CSIR, Dr. Shadrack Kwadwo Amponsah and National President-Research Scientists Association, GAEC, Dr. Christian Nuviadenu issued a series of demands and proposed solutions aimed at curbing the environmental destruction caused by galamsey activities.
According to the RSA-CSIR and GAEC, government must immediately suspend all illegal small-scale mining operations for a period of at least one year.
They contend that during this period, focus should be on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly mining practices – which can be achieved by providing technical and financial support to formalise the sector in order to prevent further destruction of water-bodies and lands.
Also, the RSA called for an immediate recall of parliament to repeal the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022 (L.I. 2462), which currently permits mining in forest reserves. According to them, failure to address this will reverse the country’s economic and environmental gains.
The RSA urged government to initiate a national programme for reclaiming lands and water-bodies degraded by galamsey. They emphasised the need to involve research institutions like GAEC and CSIR to employ innovative technologies for land restoration and water purification, prioritising the worst-affected communities.
In addition, the RSA called for creating attractive alternative livelihood programmes targetting the youth and displaced farmers, with opportunities for vocational training, job creation and financial services as substitutes for illegal mining.
National dialogue and stronger regulations
In their appeal, the RSA called for a national dialogue involving stakeholders from various sectors to develop long-term solutions. They urged government to strengthen existing regulatory frameworks and strictly implement them. They further proposed that small-scale mining projects should undergo a mini-Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to ensure minimal harm to the environment.
The scientists also proposed a unique approach to regulating small-scale mining: “self-regulation through miners’ associations”. They believe these associations can better police their own activities than government security forces, which may face resistance.
They also suggested that training programmes on sustainable mining techniques should be introduced to miners and local communities – by using graduates from mining schools like the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to offer technical support.
The RSA-CSIR and GAEC further highlighted the existential threat that galamsey poses to the country’s environment, public health and economy. They urged government to prioritise research and funding as members are willing to collaborate with stakeholders to find lasting solutions, restore degraded lands and water-bodies and restructure the mining sector.
