Samuel Abu Jinapor proposes independent body to fight galamsey
Samuel Abu Jinapor, a former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has proposed the establishment of an independent body, backed by law, to enforce mining regulations and fight illegal small-scale mining, otherwise known as galamsey.
Former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor has proposed the establishment of an independent body to enforce mining regulations and combat illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey. Speaking at the launch of the Ghana component of the "Justice in Critical Minerals Governance and Energy Transition" project, Jinapor argued that successive governments have failed to make significant progress in addressing the issue, necessitating a new institutional approach to ensure enforcement is free from political interference.
The proposed body, to be created through a law, would focus on enforcing mining laws and regulations, while retaining the government's authority to grant mining leases and licenses. Jinapor cited Australia and Canada as examples of countries where such agencies operate independently of the executive. He also defended environmental activism, stating that citizens advocating to protect water bodies and communities from mining's effects should not be criminalized, but warned against using activism to justify unlawful activities.
Jinapor called for stronger enforcement of both illegal operators and large-scale mining companies, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships between multinational mining companies and Ghana, while retaining value through refining, processing, technology transfer, skills development, and local participation. The project, funded by UK Research and Innovation and led by Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko of King’s College London, will examine how cultural expressions and traditional knowledge can contribute to policy discussions on sustainable mining and extractive justice.
Prof Samuel Ntewusu, the Institute of African Studies Director, urged Ghana to adopt a minerals governance framework that balances investment, economic growth with environmental protection, community participation, transparency, and intergenerational equity, while recognizing African arts, folklore, and traditional knowledge in shaping approaches to justice and sustainable resource management.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
