Combating illegal mining: Ghana’s best approach

By Ephraim Ofori Numosuor, Financial Economist | Research & Policy Analyst

Illegal mining, also called galamsey, has become one of the country’s most pressing challenges. It threatens not only the environment but also the economy, public health, and national security. Despite various efforts by the government, including military crackdowns, illegal mining continues to thrive, often due to economic hardship, weak enforcement, and a high demand for gold in both local and international markets.

The impact of illegal mining is devastating. Rivers and water bodies, once clean and safe for drinking, have become polluted with mercury and other harmful chemicals. Farmlands have been destroyed, leaving farmers without a livelihood. Communities face increased health risks from toxic substances, and the loss of forests has led to unpredictable climate patterns. Additionally, illegal mining fuels crime, with some operations linked to organized syndicates that exploit workers, including children.

This article explores some of the best strategies Ghana can adopt to combat illegal mining effectively and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future.

1. Strengthening Law Enforcement and Regulatory Frameworks

Illegal mining thrives because some miners believe they can operate without consequences. To change this, law enforcement must be strict and consistent.

· Empowering Security Agencies: Ghana’s military and police have been involved in tackling illegal mining, but their efforts need to be intelligence-driven and sustained. Peru’s Operation Mercury is an example of a successful crackdown. It used police and military forces to destroy illegal mining camps and seize equipment. Ghana’s Operation vanguard and Halt should take inspiration from this by making use of satellite images and drone technology to locate illegal mining sites and launch well-planned raids.

· Prosecution and Sentencing: Many illegal miners are arrested, but few face serious consequences. Laws must be strictly enforced, and punishments should be severe enough to deter others from engaging in illegal mining. Establishing special courts to handle illegal mining cases could speed up the prosecution process and make sure offenders are punished quickly.

· Regulating the Gold Supply Chain: Illegal mining persists because illegally mined gold finds its way into the legal market. Ghana should track gold from its source to its final buyer. Brazil has adopted isotope analysis and digital tracking systems to monitor gold movements. Ghana can implement similar traceability systems to ensure that only legally mined gold is sold and exported.

2. Community Engagement and Alternative Livelihoods

Many people engage in illegal mining because it provides a source of income. To reduce illegal mining, the government must offer alternative ways for people to make a living.

· Formalizing Small-Scale Mining: Not all mining is illegal. Many miners operate informally because they lack proper documentation. Ghana’s Community Mining Scheme is a step in the right direction, but it must be improved. The government should make it easier and faster for small-scale

miners to get legal permits and provide them with training in safe and environmentally friendly mining practices.

· Providing Alternative Jobs: If people have better job options, they will be less likely to engage in illegal mining. The government can provide vocational training in agriculture, construction, and manufacturing to help miners transition to other jobs. In Colombia, former illegal miners were trained in coffee farming and eco-tourism, which provided them with legal income sources. Ghana can do the same by investing in industries that create jobs in mining communities.

· Supporting Mining Cooperatives: Instead of treating small-scale miners as criminals, Ghana can organize them into cooperatives. These cooperatives can receive government support, access to financing, and training in environmentally friendly mining methods. This will encourage miners to operate legally rather than working in secret.

3. Technological Innovations for Monitoring and Enforcement

Technology plays a crucial role in detecting and preventing illegal mining. Ghana can take advantage of modern technology to strengthen its fight against galamsey.

· Using Satellites and Drones: Brazil and Indonesia have successfully used satellite images and drones to monitor illegal mining activities. These technologies help authorities detect illegal mining sites in real-time and take immediate action. Ghana can collaborate with international agencies to access advanced satellite technology for monitoring mining activities.

· Blockchain for Gold Tracking: One of the best ways to fight illegal mining is to make it difficult to sell illegally mined gold. Blockchain technology can create a digital record of every gram of gold from its source to its final sale. This will make it easy to trace the origins of gold and prevent illegal gold from entering the market.

· Mobile Apps for Reporting: Many community members witness illegal mining activities but have no safe way to report them. A government-backed mobile app could allow citizens to report illegal mining in their communities anonymously. This would encourage public participation in the fight against galamsey.

4. International Cooperation and Capacity Building

Illegal mining is not just a Ghanaian problem; it is a global issue. Many criminal networks and international buyers are involved in the trade. To fight this, Ghana needs strong partnerships with other countries and organizations.

· Working with INTERPOL and Regional Bodies: In 2023, INTERPOL launched an operation in West Africa that led to the arrest of over 200 illegal miners. Ghana should continue working with international organizations to track and dismantle illegal mining networks, especially those involved in the smuggling of gold.

· Learning from Countries with Strong Mining Laws: Countries like Canada and South Africa have developed systems that allow legal and environmentally responsible mining. Ghana should study these models and adopt best practices to improve its mining regulations.

· Cross-Border Cooperation: Many illegal miners come from neighbouring countries. Ghana must work closely with Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Togo to monitor border areas and prevent illegal miners from crossing into Ghana.

5. Sustainable Environmental Reclamation

Illegal mining leaves behind devastated landscapes, polluted rivers, and destroyed farmlands. Stopping illegal mining is not enough, Ghana must also restore damaged environments.

· Land Reclamation Projects: The government should make it mandatory for all miners to restore the land after mining. Laws must require land reclamation.

before miners receive new permits. Special government programs can also focus on reforesting mined lands and turning them into useful farmlands.

· Cleaning Up Rivers and Water Bodies: Many of our rivers, including the Pra, Offin, and Ankobra, have been polluted by illegal mining. The government should invest in river cleaning technologies and impose strict penalties on those who pollute water bodies. In countries like China, polluted rivers have been cleaned using water treatment technology and reforestation efforts. Ghana can adopt similar methods to restore its rivers.

· Encouraging Eco-Friendly Mining: Some gold extraction methods are extremely harmful to the environment. Ghana can introduce green mining techniques, such as using gravity-based separation instead of harmful chemicals like mercury and cyanide.

In conclusion, the fight against illegal mining cannot be won with just military crackdowns or temporary bans. Ghana needs a long-term strategy that balances enforcement, community engagement, technology, and environmental restoration.

By using the various approaches outlined, Ghana can effectively combat illegal mining and secure a sustainable future for its people and environment.

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