Nana Frimpong Ziega, a political commentator and entertainment pundit, has suggested that Ghana can only eradicate illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, by introducing the death penalty as a punishment.
During an interview on UTV, Ziega firmly stated, “The only way galamsey can be stopped is when we impose a death sentence.”
He dismissed the notion that declaring a state of emergency, as advocated by some members of the public, would effectively halt illegal mining operations across the country.
Meanwhile, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, the Presidential Candidate of the Movement for Change, has reaffirmed his strong stance against illegal mining.
Speaking at an Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) event in Accra on October 1, 2024, Kyerematen proposed life imprisonment for those found guilty of illegal mining, asserting that the current 10-year prison sentence is insufficient to deter the practice.
He emphasized that stiffer penalties are crucial to protecting Ghana’s environment and natural resources.
“Life imprisonment would serve as a more effective deterrent to illegal miners,” Kyerematen said, while outlining his commitment to implementing advanced technology to rehabilitate polluted rivers and water bodies. This initiative forms part of his broader agenda for environmental preservation.
Kyerematen further explained that his plan to impose life sentences would not only punish offenders but also ensure the long-term conservation of Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
Alongside this, he vowed to prioritize sustainable resource management by balancing economic development with environmental conservation.
Additionally, he proposed a one-year moratorium on all small-scale and community mining activities—whether legal or illegal—to allow time for the restoration of polluted water bodies. New legislation, according to Kyerematen, would enforce a total ban on mining in river bodies and forest reserves, with life imprisonment as the penalty for any violations of these laws.