The Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Kenneth Ashigbey, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency in areas severely affected by illegal mining, citing the growing involvement of individuals entrusted with enforcing mining regulations.
He said the fight against galamsey was being undermined by people expected to tackle the menace, describing the situation as one in which those tasked with fighting the problem had become part of it.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 14, Mr Ashigbey said the alleged involvement of law enforcement and other responsible officials in illegal mining raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the country’s response.
“This is evident of what we talk about the problem, where the firefighters are the arsonists. People that we have put in charge to be able to deal with the situation themselves are the people who are involved in it,” he said.
He urged President Mahama to heed the Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s recommendations on illegal mining, describing their proposals as a comprehensive response to the crisis.
“For me, I think the call of the Catholic bishops, if you read that statement, it has all the solutions that are in it,” he stated.
Mr Ashigbey also expressed concern about reported threats and attacks against military personnel, suggesting that the boldness of individuals involved in illegal mining pointed to possible backing from influential interests.
He called for a clear distinction between responsible mining operators and those engaged in criminal activities, including violence, intimidation and the circulation of ammunition in mining communities.
He maintained that legitimate mining activities should be protected, while those involved in criminal practices must be identified and dealt with decisively.
The coalition convenor further alleged that political interference was weakening efforts by some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to enforce mining regulations.
He said some officials willing to tackle illegal mining were being pressured by politicians, making it difficult for them to discharge their responsibilities.
Mr Ashigbey called for thorough investigations into the threats and attacks associated with illegal mining to identify those behind them.
He insisted that the scale of the problem required a stronger response than routine enforcement operations and appealed to the President to adopt the Catholic bishops’ recommendation for a state of emergency in affected areas.
“I think His Excellency the President needs to listen to the voice of the Catholic bishops to say that enough is enough. Let us declare this state of emergency within these particular spaces,” he added.