By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Sakumono, Mar. 26, GNA – Dr. Worlanyo Mensah, an Economist, has emphasised the need to formalise community task forces as a crucial step in combating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Dr. Mensah said that every community had assembly members and unit committee members who could mobilise the youth to protect the environment and enforce mining regulations.
He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the fight against galamsey should not be left in the hands of politicians, as they often prioritise raising funds for their next election campaigns rather than addressing the issue effectively.
According to him, community members were in the best position to identify illegal miners and report their activities, stressing that the government should empower local task forces to monitor mining activities, prevent illegal operations, and ensure responsible mining practices.
“People living in mining areas are directly affected by galamsey, seeing the destruction of their water bodies, farmlands, and forests daily. If we formalise community task forces and give them the necessary support, they can play a significant role in stopping this menace,” he stated.
He explained that assembly members and unit committees already had structures in place to mobilise people for community development, noting that formalising their involvement in the fight against galamsey could act as a bridge between the government and the local population to ensure that mining regulations are enforced.
Dr. Mensah criticised the role of politicians in the fight against illegal mining, stating that many of them are more focused on financial gains than environmental protection.
He urged the government to establish independent community task forces that were not influenced by political leaders, saying that the groups should be trained and provided with resources to carry out their duties effectively.
Dr. Mensah noted that by engaging the youth in anti-galamsey activities, the government could create jobs and reduce unemployment in mining communities.
GNA
LS/KOA