On Monday, 11th February, 2019, the Institute of Economic Affairs hosted a round-table discussion centered on the theme, the “Galamsey Menace” in Ghana; the Way Forward. The event was chaired by Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Paramount Chief of Essikado, Sekondi and the guest speakers were, Professor Sulemana Al-Hassan, professor of mining engineering at the University of Mines & Technology; Mr. Kenneth Ashigbey, convener of the Media Coalition against Galamsey; Mr. Zhu Jing, the Deputy Chief of the Chinese Embassy.
The event commenced with a presentation from Prof. Al-Hassan, followed by Mr. Ashigbey. Thereafter, a brief speech was given by Mr. Jing. Prof. Al-Hassan’s presentation focused on the benefits and legalization of Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM). He mentioned that ASM provides employment- since there are approximately one million (1,000,000) Ghanaians who are directly involved. He mentioned that ASM stimulates local economic growth and to some extent, reverses rural-urban migration. He also acknowledged the menace and stated that it is not as a result of ASM but rather, as a result the irresponsibility of ASM operations.
Prof. Al-Hassan concluded his presentation by emphasizing on the procedure for receiving a license for a small-scale mine. He stated that licensing should be effectively decentralized in order to make the process easier and affordable to small-scale miners. Mr. Ashigbey on the other hand, called on the government to speed up the implementation of the Multi-Sectoral Mining Integrated Project (MMIP); a project aimed to regulate, assist ASMs and improve the efficiency of their operations. He noted that a challenge he had identified with the MMIP was its recommendation for funds, thus suggested that the best approach is to “fund it from the vault- and from our own local resources”.Mr. Ashigbey concluded his speech by highlighting the importance of accountability/ transparency in the mining industry and urging other countries to desist from purchasing illegal gold coming from Ghana. Mr. Jing in his speech stated that, China is strongly opposed to illegal mining and the Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining. He also pointed out that illegal small-scaled mining is not caused by the Chinese citizens in Ghana but rather, it is Ghana’s problem.
He disclosed that illegal Chinese miners are only able to come to Ghana to carry out these illegal activities due to the facilitation, support and shelter they receive from the local people. Therefore, the illegal Chinese miners alongside the Ghanaian supporters behind them should all be punished. He proceeded by saying, “cracking down illegal Chinese miners while neglecting their supporters will not solve the problem of illegal mining”. Lastly, he emphasized that the mainstream of the Ghana-China relations is win-win cooperation and that China supports the Ghanaian government in solving the problem of illegal mining.
Following the speech, the Chairman, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, initiated discussions with the participants. The participants consisted of key stakeholders from the mining industry, government agencies, diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, academia and media. Among the attendees were; Hon. Collins Dauda, Former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources; Hon. Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, MP for Wa Central Constituency; Hon. Zanetor Rawlings, MP for Klottey-Korley; Hon. John Osei Frimpong, MP for Abirem Constituency; Hon. Samson Boafo, Former Minister of State; H.E. Andrew Barnes, Australian Ambassador to Ghana and Mr. Glen Askew, the Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana.
