Mahama to give amnesty to jailed galamseyers

Dealing with the root causes of crime is crucial for creating a safer and more just society. By addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education and unemployment we can prevent individuals from turning to criminal activities in the first place.

Investing in programmes and initiatives that address these underlying issues can help reduce the likelihood of individuals engaging in criminal behaviour.

Additionally, dealing with the root causes of crime can be more cost-effective in the long run than simply focusing on punitive measures. Investing in prevention and rehabilitation programmes can help reduce the burden on the criminal justice system and society as a whole.

Former President John Dramani Mahama who is also the 2024 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress during his conversation with the press on July 7, 2024, at the Kempinsky hotel in Accra announced plans to grant amnesty to small scale miners who have been jailed for illegal mining activities in the country if elected president on December 7; and promised to address the issue of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, in a more holistic manner.

Mahama stated that while illegal mining is a serious issue that needs to be tackled, he believes that many of the small scale miners who have been arrested and jailed are simply trying to make a living and should be given a second chance. Besides, the real culprits are some government officials and kingpins of ruling parties who hide behind these frustrated youth struggling to eke out a living.

He emphasised the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of illegal mining, including providing alternative livelihoods for those involved in the industry. He also assured the people of Ghana that none of his appointees would be allowed to go into mining if elected.

The former president's announcement has been met with excitement, especially in mining communities, with some praising his efforts to address the issue of illegal mining in a more compassionate way.

Anthony Obeng Afrane