The Majority in Parliament has dismissed allegations by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is contributing to the growing illegal mining, or galamsey, crisis in Ghana.
The Majority Caucus argues that the opposition has yet to present credible evidence proving that GoldBod’s gold-buying operations are encouraging illegal mining or weakening efforts to protect the country’s forests, rivers and other natural resources.
NPP Raises Concerns Over GoldBod and Illegal Mining
The NPP has recently stepped up its criticism of the government’s approach to tackling illegal mining, questioning whether existing measures are sufficient to address the environmental damage caused by galamsey.
The opposition has also raised concerns about the impact of GoldBod and Ghana’s gold trading system, suggesting that government policies governing gold purchases could have consequences for efforts to stop illegal mining.
At a press conference on Tuesday, August 25, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye accused GoldBod of contributing to the worsening galamsey situation.
The Majority has rejected the claim, insisting that the government is taking several measures to intensify the fight against illegal mining.
Government Intensifies Fight Against Galamsey
Speaking to Citi News, Keta Member of Parliament Kwami Dzudzorli Gakpey defended the government’s anti-galamsey strategy and highlighted several interventions currently being implemented.
He pointed to the training and deployment of water guards, increased involvement of the Ghana Armed Forces, and the deployment of personnel under the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAIMOS).
According to the MP, these interventions demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s water bodies and reducing the environmental impact of illegal mining.
Government Tightens Mining Regulations
Mr Gakpey also highlighted recent changes to Ghana’s mining laws, saying the government is strengthening regulations to protect environmentally sensitive locations.
He cited provisions relating to mining near water bodies and cocoa farms, noting that stricter distance requirements are intended to prevent mining activities from causing further environmental destruction.
The MP said the government’s fight against galamsey remains challenging because thousands of people depend on illegal mining as a source of income.
He argued that tackling the problem requires not only enforcement but also the creation of alternative livelihood opportunities for people currently involved in illegal mining.
Alternative Livelihoods Key to Galamsey Fight
The Keta MP stressed that illegal mining is closely connected to employment and household income, making the fight more complex than simply arresting miners or destroying mining equipment.
He said sustainable solutions should combine law enforcement, environmental protection and alternative employment programmes to help communities transition away from illegal mining.
The Majority maintains that the government is taking a comprehensive approach to the galamsey menace, combining security operations, water protection measures, legislative reforms and livelihood interventions.
The debate over GoldBod comes as Ghana continues to face concerns over the impact of illegal mining on rivers, forests, cocoa farms, farmlands and drinking water sources.
Source: newsthemegh.com