Galamsey fight requires community-led approach - Bryan Acheampong

Accra, Ghana - October 14, 2024 - In a recent interview on Joy News' PM Express Business Edition, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong emphasized that declaring a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey, would be ineffective without the active involvement of local communities. 

He stressed that a national dialogue engaging all sectors of society is necessary to confront the crisis head-on.

Acheampong noted that government interventions, including deploying security forces, have been launched, but the challenge is beyond the scope of military or police actions. "If we spread 34,000 soldiers across the country, they won’t even be able to stop galamsey in the Ashanti region alone. We need communal effort, not just central government enforcement."

The Minister highlighted the critical role of community members in protecting their lands and resources, particularly those directly affected by galamsey's environmental devastation, such as polluted rivers and destroyed farmlands.

“You need a mindset change by the people in the community. When you fight the people who are destroying your land and polluting your waters, security personnel can back you up. But if you wait for central government to bring in soldiers or police, they don’t come and stay there,” he stated.

Acheampong emphasized that addressing galamsey is not solely the responsibility of district authorities or political appointees. Local governance structures, including community members, must play a vital role in stopping illegal mining activities.

“Are you saying the DCE is the only one looking on for all this to happen? Galamsey is happening in communities, not in the DCE’s house,” he asserted.

The Minister called for a national dialogue to agree on the roles of community, civil society, security forces, political parties, and the media in combating galamsey.

“We need a national dialogue on this matter. We need to agree on the role of the community, civil society, security forces, political parties, and the media. Only then can we swing into action,'' he stated.

Acheampong concluded with a stern warning that without community involvement, the crisis would continue to escalate, putting Ghana’s food security, water supply, and environment at risk.

“What will a state of emergency do if you don’t have the community rising up to stop galamsey?” he asked.

Source: Lead News Online