Galamsey fight 'uncoordinated and failing' - Daryl Bosu

Daryl Bosu said on Saturday, April 25, on JoyNews' Newsfile, that "on paper, it is coordinated. But in strategy and outcome, we are failing significantly" regarding the country's efforts to tackle illegal mining. Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, said the country's efforts to tackle illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, are failing due to poor coordination among state agencies. He based his concerns on months of fieldwork carried out by his team across several affected regions.

Mr. Bosu said conditions in many communities continue to worsen despite government interventions. He pointed to the continued destruction of forests and water bodies as key indicators. He cited open illegal mining activities along major roads and within towns, noting that "if you are on the highways… from Konongo to Kumasi, you see people mining right by the roadside." He highlighted Kyebi as a particularly troubling example, noting the presence of several police commands in the area. Mr. Bosu also criticised government decisions to weaken provisions in the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995). He said key measures meant to tackle illegal mining have not been enforced. He further questioned the impact of initiatives such as the Blue Water Guards.

Mr. Bosu called for a more decentralised approach, where district and regional security agencies take active responsibility. He suggested that resources would be better used by strengthening existing institutions. He explained that illegal miners are changing tactics, making enforcement more difficult.