The leader of the Movement for Change and a presidential aspirant for the 2024 general elections, Alan Kyerematen, has pledged to create legal private firms for young people involved in illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”
Speaking to the media during his campaign tour, Mr Kyerematen emphasized the need for a new approach to the issue, which has plagued many communities across Ghana.
He noted that in many mining centres, just as in areas where agriculture or fishing is dominant, mining is considered a primary livelihood by the locals.
Mr Kyerematen proposed that the government develop “a new business model to create a legitimate framework” for young people to engage in mining activities legally.
He stressed that his administration would organize and mobilize the youth engaged in galamsey into legal private entities, ensuring they operate under proper regulations.
“Under my presidency, we will organize and mobilize them, and the government will support them to have legal private entities,” he said.
Mr Kyerematen further stated that these entities would be licensed and provided with the necessary financial support to acquire the appropriate machinery, enabling them to mine according to environmental standards.
The devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment is well-documented, with rivers like the Bonsa in the Western Region and the Pra in the Ashanti Region suffering from severe pollution due to the harmful chemicals used by illegal miners.
Forest reserves such as the Tano Nimiri in the Western North Region and the Draw River in the Western Region have also been heavily impacted.
The management of Ghana Water Company Limited in the Central Region has reported significant disruptions in water services to Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding areas due to this pollution.
Presently, the government’s efforts including deploying security agencies to affected areas and arresting culprits are yet to nib the menace in the bud.