Erastus Donkor: Ghana Galamsey Fight Criticism for Ineffectiveness

• Investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor criticized the Ghanaian government's fight against illegal mining, calling it a circular effort.
• Donkor stated the current administration's approach is largely similar to the previous Akufo-Addo government, lacking urgency and resources.
• He noted that while the current government listens more, its actions do not match its public pronouncements.
• Donkor urged President John Dramani Mahama to hold Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) accountable for illegal mining in their areas.
• He warned that without local accountability and sustained monitoring, gains made by national task forces like NAIMOS would be quickly lost.

The journalist stressed that without the President holding his own appointees accountable for their areas of authority, the fight against galamsey would remain a "wild goose chase," yielding no lasting results.

Investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor has voiced strong criticism regarding the Ghanaian government's ongoing struggle against illegal mining, commonly known as "galamsey." Donkor contends that the current administration's approach mirrors that of the previous Akufo-Addo government, suggesting a lack of genuine progress despite public commitments. He characterized the efforts as "going round in circles," indicating a fundamental failure to address the issue with the necessary resolve.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on October 31, during a segment discussing the Mahama administration’s past efforts against galamsey, Donkor highlighted a perceived absence of urgency in the government's strategy. He argued that effectively combating illegal mining demands the full dedication and resources of the state, which he believes are currently lacking. This sentiment underscores a deep-seated concern that the nation's fight against environmental degradation from illegal mining operations is not being pursued with the seriousness required.

While the current government appears more receptive to public concerns about illegal mining, its actions reportedly do not align with its stated intentions, raising questions about its true commitment. Erastus Asare Donkor pointed out that the government is largely repeating strategies that have proven ineffective in the past. He noted that, with the potential exception of new approaches being adopted by NAIMOS under its current leadership, the overall methodology remains unchanged.

Donkor contrasted this with the previous Akufo-Addo administration, which he claimed largely disregarded stakeholder concerns regarding the galamsey crisis. Although the present government demonstrates a greater willingness to listen, its operational responses are perceived as inconsistent with its promises. This disconnect between rhetoric and reality, according to Donkor, contributes to the persistent ineffectiveness of Ghana's environmental law enforcement in the mining sector.

A critical component missing from the current strategy, according to Erastus Asare Donkor, is robust accountability for local officials. He specifically urged President John Dramani Mahama to hold Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) directly responsible for illegal mining activities occurring within their jurisdictions. Donkor emphasized that MMDCEs, as chairs of their respective security councils, possess intimate knowledge of their local areas, making them uniquely positioned to identify and address galamsey operations.

He warned that an over-reliance on national task forces like NAIMOS, without simultaneously empowering and holding local authorities accountable, would ultimately undermine the entire effort. Donkor explained that without sustained local oversight, illegal miners could easily return to sites once national enforcement teams depart, nullifying any temporary gains. This highlights a significant gap in the Ghana government's approach to tackling illegal mining.

The journalist stressed that without the President holding his own appointees accountable for their areas of authority, the fight against galamsey would remain a "wild goose chase," yielding no lasting results. This lack of sustained monitoring and enforcement means that any progress achieved during specific operations is quickly reversed, leading to a continuous cycle of environmental damage and resource depletion. The persistent ineffectiveness of the Ghana galamsey fight, as described by Donkor, suggests a systemic issue in governance and environmental law enforcement.

The call for presidential intervention to ensure MMDCEs accountability for galamsey underscores the belief that political will at the highest level is essential for meaningful change. Without this, the nation risks continued environmental degradation and the perpetuation of illegal mining, impacting both the natural landscape and the rule of law.

The persistent ineffectiveness of the Ghanaian government's fight against illegal mining ('galamsey') implies continued high operational and environmental risks for legitimate businesses in the mining and related sectors. Legal and compliance professionals should advise clients on the ongoing need for robust due diligence, risk mitigation strategies, and potential liabilities arising from resource depletion, environmental damage, or land disputes, as government enforcement may remain inconsistent despite public commitments.

Source: Original reporting via JoyNews’ Newsfile