Economic policy analyst Senyo Hosi has raised concerns about the effectiveness of relying on reforestation programmes to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in Ghana.
According to him, young people who earn substantial incomes from illegal mining may have little incentive to abandon the practice in favour of less profitable alternatives such as tree planting and reforestation.
Senyo Hosi argued that the economic benefits associated with galamsey make it difficult to convince young people to switch to alternative livelihoods without addressing the financial realities driving their involvement in illegal mining.
He believes Ghana’s fight against illegal mining must go beyond environmental restoration and include practical economic opportunities that can provide sustainable incomes for young people.
The comments come amid ongoing national efforts to tackle galamsey, protect Ghana’s forests and water bodies, and promote sustainable environmental management.
Experts have increasingly called for stronger enforcement, job creation, skills development and alternative livelihood programmes as part of a comprehensive strategy to address illegal mining in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com