Galamsey: Government’s progress claims not fully supported by figures – Prof Appiagyei-Tuah

Galamsey, a term used to describe illegal small-scale mining in Ghana, has been a contentious issue. In a recent appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Tuah, an Associate Professor at the University of Ghana School of Law, expressed reservations about the government's claims of progress in combating this problem.

While Prof. Appiagyei-Tuah acknowledged that some gains have been made, he questioned the veracity of the data supporting these assertions. He cautioned against accepting government figures at face value, emphasizing the necessity of corroborating evidence to substantiate progress claims. During the interview, the law lecturer pointed out that while there were indications of some success, the available figures revealed that illegal mining remained a significant concern.

The professor's remarks came amidst ongoing discussions about the efficacy of government initiatives against galamsey, which include arrests, equipment seizures, river protection measures, and efforts to rehabilitate degraded lands. President John Dramani Mahama has reported the confiscation of over 8,200 items associated with illegal mining, such as 135 excavators and nearly 200 firearms.

Additionally, the government has announced plans to reclaim 5,000 acres of degraded land starting 2027, with a budget of GH¢200 million allocated for this purpose. Prof. Appiagyei-Tuah's critique contributes to the ongoing call for greater transparency and the use of credible data to accurately assess the impact of the anti-galamsey campaign on the environment and the national economy.