The National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners (NCASSM) has accused the Ghanaian government of mismanaging over $200 million allocated to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey. The association’s president, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, claims that the funds were squandered on ineffective initiatives, including the procurement of drones, GPS tracking systems, and branded pickup trucks.
The “Operation Galam Stop” campaign, launched in 2017, was supposed to tackle the menace of galamsey, which has devastating environmental and health consequences. However, the NCASSM alleges that the campaign has yielded little to no tangible results. To add insult to injury, several drones are now missing, equipment is unaccounted for, and the GalamStop app has failed to deliver its intended purpose.
The association is demanding a full-scale independent investigation into the management of resources allocated to the anti-galamsey campaign. They want to know what happened to the confiscated mining equipment, including excavators, which were reportedly sold, burned, or diverted for private use.
The NCASSM is calling for transparency and accountability in the government’s fight against galamsey. They urge the government to consult industry stakeholders to develop practical solutions and monitoring initiatives to ensure effectiveness. The association’s president, Mr. Peprah, has reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government’s efforts, provided they are rooted in transparency and good governance.
As the government remains silent on the matter, Ghanaians are being urged to demand accountability to safeguard the future of the mining sector and protect the country’s natural resources. The fate of Ghana’s environment and the livelihoods of its citizens hang in the balance. Will the government take heed of the NCASSM’s calls for transparency and accountability, or will the scourge of galamsey continue to plague the nation?
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
