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Immediate Press Release
Galamsey brouhaha:Former Amansie West Small Scale Chairman Calls On Politicians to Stop Politicizing Isaue And Allow local leadership to lead the fight:
Following the government effort to preserving our lands water bodies and environment from illegal mining activities to impact generations,a renowned mining advocate, Honourable Daniel Kwaku Mensah has proposed an innovative solution to battling government attempt eliminate illegal small scale miners in Ghana.
Honourable Daniel Kwaku Mensah, former chairman of the Amansie West Small Scale Mining Association, is suggesting to the governing National Democratic Congress and all stakeholders that the fight against illegal mining widely called(Galamsey) should not be Politicized but should be led by local members, including small scale mining Associations, Traditional authorities, residents, Assembly Members, and other local opinion leaders. He believes this collaborative approach will yield a lasting solution to the problem, which has become a major challenge to the country’s progress.
In his reaction,
Honourable Daniel Kwaku Mensah, also known as DKM, is calling out Sammy Gyamfi, the Goldboard chairman, and Professor Gyampo for their sudden change of heart on small-scale mining. DKM accuses them of being hypocritical, dishonest, and selfish, as they previously criticized the previous administration for not doing enough to combat illegal mining, but now seem to be singing a different tune.
He emphatically stated that,Sammy Gyamfi, reportedly reaffirmed on a media outlet that the NDC government will not ban small-scale mining, also known as Galamsey, even if it means going into opposition. This statement has sparked controversy, with some critics accusing Gyamfi and the NDC of prioritizing political interests over environmental and social concerns.
Honourable Kwaku Mensah, a mining expert, has publicly criticized Gyamfi’s statement, describing it as hypocritical and dishonest. Mensah argued that the NDC’s stance on Galamsey is inconsistent, as they previously criticized the previous administration for not doing enough to combat the issue.
DKM is challenging Sammy Gyamfi to put his money where his mouth is and prove an article to support his claims that the NDC is not politicizing the issue of small-scale mining. This comes after the communications officer of the ruling NDC made a statement on the ban, which DKM takes issue with.
Mensah’s criticism highlights the ongoing debate about illegal mining in Ghana and the need for a consistent and effective approach to addressing the issue.
Hon Mensah is saying that government task forces alone cannot solve the issue, but rather, local authorities should be empowered to form their own forces or groups, with government backing. He emphasizes that politicians cannot successfully combat Galamsey without support from local Associations and opinion leaders.
This approach is in line with the principles of community-led development, where local stakeholders are empowered to take ownership of solutions to their unique . By leveraging local knowledge, expertise, and social capital, communities can develop more effective and sustainable solutions to complex problems like Galamsey.
The great approach to fight Galamsey is to give legal powers to local authorities with legal backing can be an effective way to combat illegal mining.
If we recall,a renowned mining advocacy,Honourable Kwaku Mensah, also known as DKM, previously suggested a comprehensive approach to combating illegal mining to the previous NPP government, captioned *”Military involvement in fighting GALAMSEY needles”* but unfortunately, his advice fell on deaf ears. Now, he’s reiterating the same suggestion to the John Dramani Mahama administration, emphasizing the importance of considering diverse views beyond party lines.
DKM’s proposal involves halting military involvement in the fight against small scale mining, instead advocating for a more collaborative approach that engages local authorities, small-scale miners, and other stakeholders. By doing so, he believes the government can develop more effective and sustainable solutions to address the complex issues surrounding illegal mining.
As a citizen and mining advocacy I will continue pushing for a more inclusive and effective approach to combating illegal mining.I am optimistic that,the current administration will heed my advice and work towards a more comprehensive solution.
Some potential benefits are as follows:
Community-led solutions: Local authorities are more familiar with the local context, making them better equipped to develop solutions tailored to their community’s needs.
*Increased accountability* With legal powers, local authorities can hold perpetrators accountable for illegal mining activities, reducing impunity.
*Improved enforcement* Local authorities can enforce laws and regulations more effectively, as they have a deeper understanding of the local terrain and social dynamics.
*Enhanced community engagement* By involving local authorities, communities are more likely to be engaged in the fight against illegal mining, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
*Reduced corruption* Legal backing can help reduce corruption by ensuring that local authorities operate within a clear legal framework.
To ensure the success of this approach, it’s essential to provide training and capacity building: Equip local authorities with the necessary skills and knowledge to exercise their new powers effectively.
There should be establishment of clear guidelines and protocols: Develop clear guidelines and protocols for local authorities to follow, ensuring consistency and fairness.
To ensure transparency and accountability for transparency and accountability, enabling communities to monitor the actions of local authorities.
By empowering local authorities with legal powers and backing, Ghana can make significant strides in combating illegal mining and promoting sustainable development.
Hon Daniel Kwaku Mensah(Former chairman,AWSSMA)
Contact: *0245633077*
