In a bold move to curb the menace of illegal mining, the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has launched a nationwide registration of its members, issuing stern warnings to recalcitrant miners who continue to destroy water bodies and forests.
The association’s National Communications Director, Mr. Abdul Razak Alhassan, revealed that the registration exercise aims to capture, guide, and protect members from engaging in illegal activities. The data collected will help the leadership identify members across the country, categorize miners, and track new registrants.
Mr. Michael Adu Gyamfi, Secretary of the GNASSM Ashanti District, sounded a warning to perpetrators, stating that the association will deal severely with those who continue to destroy water bodies and forest reserves. He urged all members to participate in the registration exercise to avoid future repercussions.
The Ashanti District chapter of the nationwide registration is expected to be completed within 21 days, covering all mining district areas.
Illegal mining, also known as galamsey, has been a persistent problem in Ghana. The practice has devastating effects on the environment, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation. Despite efforts by the government to curb the practice, illegal mining continues to thrive, with many miners operating under the radar.
The effects of illegal mining in Ghana are far-reaching. The pollution of water bodies has led to the destruction of aquatic life, while the deforestation has contributed to climate change. Additionally, the use of toxic chemicals like mercury has posed serious health risks to miners and nearby communities. The economic costs of illegal mining are also significant, with the government losing millions of dollars in revenue each year.
The fight against illegal mining in Ghana has been marked by controversy. The government’s efforts to crack down on the practice have been met with resistance from some miners, who claim that they are being unfairly targeted. There have also been allegations of corruption, with some officials accused of taking bribes from miners to turn a blind eye to their activities.
The role of traditional leaders in the fight against illegal mining has also been a subject of controversy. Some traditional leaders have been accused of supporting illegal mining, either directly or indirectly, by providing land for mining activities or receiving royalties from miners. This has led to tensions between traditional leaders and the government, which has sought to assert its authority over mining activities.
Despite the challenges, the government and civil society organizations remain committed to the fight against illegal mining. The GNASSM’s nationwide registration of small-scale miners is a welcome step towards formalizing the industry and reducing the incidence of illegal mining. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem and to provide alternative livelihoods for those who currently depend on illegal mining.
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