In a bid to combat the menace of illegal mining (galamsey), the Central Region Security Council, led by Minister Ekow Panyin Eduamoah, has adopted a new approach. Instead of relying solely on armed security men to chase perpetrators, the council seeks to engage and involve communities in finding solutions through alternative livelihoods and support.
The decision was made after a visit to Assin Asamang, a community notorious for its galamsey activities. The devastating environmental damage, health effects, and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources were evident. However, interactions with the community revealed that they saw galamsey as a matter of survival.
The Minister proposed a new approach, recognizing that criminalizing the activity had not yielded desired results. The community members expressed fear of armed security and task forces but questioned their long-term presence. The elders admitted knowledge of the galamsey activities but felt powerless to stop them.
The Assembly man, Gregory Ankomah Gyekye, boldly admitted his participation and proposed solutions, including more engagement, alternative livelihoods, and community task forces. This encounter highlighted the need for a change in approach.
The Central Region Security Council now seeks to engage galamsey communities, presenting them with evidence of the impact of their actions and discussing alternative livelihood opportunities. This will be followed by the formation of community task forces to protect their rivers and forests. The fight against galamsey continues, and it is a fight that must be won for the sake of posterity.
GBC/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
