Intelligently address galamsey issue – Dr. Think Twice to Mahama

The Country Director of Think Twice Africa Consult, Mr. Ernest Birmeh, has urged President John Mahama and other key stakeholders to take a strategic and well-planned approach to addressing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

He emphasized the importance of resolving the issue without creating new socio-economic hardships, warning that a hasty crackdown could have unintended consequences.

According to Mr. Birmeh, illegal miners fall into two main categories. The first group consists of those he describes as "the greedy few," individuals who engage in galamsey despite having other means of livelihood. The second and much larger group is "the unemployed majority," made up of young people who turn to illegal mining because they lack job opportunities. Many of these individuals have families and dependents, making their economic survival directly tied to the industry. He cautioned that simply shutting down galamsey operations without offering alternatives could push many into crime, including robbery, kidnapping, and domestic violence.

While acknowledging the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, Mr. Birmeh stressed the need for an approach that prioritizes job creation. He urged the government to establish immediate employment opportunities for displaced miners and engage relevant stakeholders in developing long-term solutions. He specifically called on the Christian Council to take an active role in addressing the issue.

He noted that a significant number of galamsey operators are Christians who have financially supported their churches through tithes and offerings. In light of this, he suggested that churches should contribute to job creation by investing in manufacturing industries to absorb affected youth. He further proposed that church premises could be repurposed as workspaces on non-worship days to provide economic opportunities for those who might otherwise turn to illegal mining.

Mr. Birmeh concluded that a well-planned intervention is necessary to prevent economic distress and security risks arising from widespread unemployment among galamsey workers.