The Upper East Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, has reiterated that former President Akufo-Addo’s administration enacted a law granting licenses for mining activities, including in forest reserves— a policy now under parliamentary review for repeal.
Speaking in an interview with A1 Radio, he outlined the party’s stance and approach to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, shedding light on current efforts and challenges in tackling the menace. According to him, the move to reverse this law demonstrates the NDC’s commitment, especially under President John Dramani Mahama, to protect the environment and clamp down on illegal mining activities.
“The law that former president Akuffo Addo activated, giving himself the powers to grant licences to people who want to involve in mining, to even mine in forest areas, is currently before parliament to be repealed. That tells you how committed president Mahama is.”
Mr Salifu explained that foreigners involved in galamsey operations fall into two categories: those working directly on the sites and those who operate behind the scenes as financiers and concession owners. He pointed out that while many of the frontline workers are arrested and deported due to limited prison space, the financiers are prosecuted when caught. He emphasized the importance of not just arresting these individuals but also freezing their assets and blacklisting them to prevent re-entry into the country.
“When you look at the foreigners involved in galamsey, they are in two categories. The first category is those who are just employed. We also have the second batch. This group of foreigners are considered the kingpins. Mostly, you don’t even see them at the site but they are the people who buy the concession or who sit behind and provide the resources for everything to take place.” “Those that are the first hand workers, when they are arrested, the government says repatriate them. Because they come in thousands.”
He disclosed that over 5,000 foreign nationals had been deported over a four-year period, stressing that deportation remains a practical approach for first-hand workers due to logistical constraints. However, he maintained that the more critical target is the network of sponsors who fund and perpetuate the illegal mining business.
“The second class of foreigners, who are behind and have the money, and sponsoring this galamsey activity, when they are arrested, get prosecuted.” “I think it’s the best decision,” he added.
Mr Salifu also addressed delays in the prosecution of suspects, attributing the lag to the broader inefficiencies within the justice system. This, he said, allows some offenders to shift operations and continue mining elsewhere before their cases are resolved. Despite the challenges, he affirmed that the government’s fight against galamsey has intensified and is yielding visible results, particularly in the improved clarity of water bodies that were previously polluted by mining activities. “The fight has improved. In fact it has intensified. Results have improved.” “The water bodies are becoming clear and clearer,” he said.
The NDC communicator stressed that well-resourced individuals within Ghana are also complicit and must be held accountable. He further stated that the party remains committed to ensuring that both foreign and local actors fueling galamsey are brought to book.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
