Galamsey is our collective failure; we all see it but we’re helpless – Kwame Gyan
Land Law expert Kwame Gyan has raised alarm over the deep-rooted indiscipline and lawlessness that continue to undermine Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.”
He warns that the country’s failure to enforce the law is not only exacerbating environmental destruction but also eroding the social fabric of the nation.
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Mr Gyan’s criticism comes on the heels of recent statements made by Daasebre Asumadu Appiah, the Chief of Akyem Wenchi and Oseawuohene in the Eastern Region, who candidly admitted that the youth in Wenchi and its surrounding areas are unlikely to abandon galamsey, despite government crackdowns.
The chief pointed out that galamsey has become the primary source of livelihood for many in the region, making it nearly impossible to halt the practice without offering viable alternative employment opportunities. He urged the government to consider establishing a more regulated community mining scheme as a practical solution.
Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Monday, Mr Gyan painted a grim picture of a nation where lawlessness has become the norm. “There are some scholars who argue that this thing about impunity and indiscipline was one of the legacies of the many revolutions that we have been through, and all those things brought us to a point where gradually we decided not to respect authority and not to respect law and order. It’s the general atmosphere of indiscipline and impurity”he said.
Mr Gyan stressed that this culture of indiscipline is now a collective failure, affecting every segment of society. He cited the brazen illegal mining activities occurring along the main Accra-Kumasi road as an example.
“The main Accra-Kumasi road in the clear eyes of everyone because that road president, speakers, military and the police everybody uses that road. Just inside Osino town about 20 meters from the main Accra-Kumasi road mining is happening there.
According to Mr Gyan, the widespread sense of helplessness has paralyzed the nation’s response to the galamsey crisis. “We all see what’s happening, but we feel powerless to act. Politicians, security forces, the media, and even academia—we’ve all failed to address this issue. We should have acted much sooner.”
Mr Gyan also touched on the possible involvement of political figures in illegal mining, suggesting that their complicity might explain the government’s inability to effectively curb galamsey. “We need to ask ourselves whether political actors are involved. If they aren’t, why can’t they stop it?”
He added that, “All of us we see it and walk away because everybody is helpless, the politicians are helpless, the police, soldiers are helpless, the media is also helpless. We in academia are also helpless , that is why I’m saying that this is our collective failure. It’s all of us who have failed, we saw things coming, we should have taken steps earlier.
While acknowledging the economic importance of mining, Mr Gyan called for a more balanced approach that safeguards the environment while still providing livelihoods. “I’m not advocating for an end to mining; it has its benefits. But we must find ways to minimize environmental damage and ensure that people can still earn a living.”
Mr Gyan also highlighted the growing presence of foreign miners, which he believes exacerbates the problem.
He called for their immediate removal, emphasizing the need for local communities, traditional leaders, and state authorities to work together to find sustainable solutions.
Myjoyonline.com
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