Captain (Retired) John Kwame Jabari, Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, has proposed a novel approach to combat illegal mining in Ghana: instant reclamation.
According to Captain Jabari, immediately reclaiming mined lands when illegal miners are arrested and their equipment seized would deter others from engaging in galamsey. If the pits are left uncovered, illegal miners will return once their equipment is released .
Captain Jabari’s suggestion comes as the region intensifies its fight against galamsey.
The President, through the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has demonstrated commitment to addressing the issue.
A tree-planting program, “Launch of Tree for Life and Re-afforestation Initiative,” is scheduled for March 21, 2025, in Nkawie.
Galamsey has plagued Ghana for years, causing environmental degradation, water pollution, and loss of livelihoods. The government’s efforts to combat it have been criticized as inadequate, with some officials allegedly involved in the practice.
While instant reclamation may be a viable solution, a comprehensive approach is necessary to address the root causes of galamsey.
This includes:
– Strengthening Law Enforcement: Ensuring that laws and regulations are enforced, and perpetrators are held accountable.
– Providing Alternative Livelihoods: Supporting communities affected by galamsey to develop sustainable livelihoods.
– Re-Afforestation and Reclamation: Restoring degraded lands and promoting environmental sustainability.
By adopting a holistic approach, Ghana can effectively combat galamsey and promote a safer, more sustainable environment for its citizens.
By Ayisah Foster||The Punch newspaper
