By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has stated that calls for a blanket ban on small-scale mining are misplaced. His remarks raise questions about the government’s commitment to effectively tackle this environmental crisis.
Mr. Mireku Duker acknowledges the damage galamsey inflicts on water bodies and the environment, condemning the actions of illegal miners. Yet, he appears to sidestep the urgent calls for a ban from influential groups like the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and Organized Labour, which demand immediate action to halt further degradation. Instead of supporting these appeals, Mr. Duker advocates for promoting responsible mining practices while emphasizing that banning small-scale mining is not the solution.
This reluctance to embrace a ban, despite overwhelming evidence of the damage caused by illegal mining, suggests a troubling level of disconnect between government officials and the realities faced by the communities affected. Critics might wonder if Mr. Duker and his colleagues are complicit—at least indirectly—in the very situational havoc they claim to oppose. By insisting that the calls for a ban are misdirected, he seems to deflect accountability and responsibility rather than confronting the urgent need for effective action.
His comments came during the launch of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Central Region, where he pledged the government’s commitment to implementing measures like deploying river guards to protect water bodies. However, many are left wondering: How can the government expect to tackle the issue seriously when it hesitates to support robust solutions like an outright ban on illegal activities?
As Ghana grapples with this pressing issue, the government’s stance raises serious questions about its dedication to safeguarding the environment. Without a genuine commitment to decisive action, the fate of Ghana’s water bodies and ecosystems hangs in the balance. The refusal to fully engage with calls for a ban on small-scale mining might not only signal a lack of maturity in leadership but also a failure to prioritize the fight against galamsey and its dire consequences. The citizens of Ghana deserve a government that is not just talk, but action-oriented, especially when their livelihoods and the country’s natural resources are at stake.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
