Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yusif Sulemana, has announced a comprehensive plan to tackle the scourge of illegal mining, a menace that threatens the country's environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and national security.
Speaking at a national dialogue on violence and extremism in mining communities, Sulemana emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the issue, citing the establishment of a responsible property mining and skill development program.
The program aims to involve all stakeholders, including chiefs, assembly members, and community leaders, in addressing the challenges faced by mining communities. Hon. Sulemana noted that the previous community mining approach did not benefit local communities, leading to conflicts and environmental degradation.
Ghana's gold exports reached $8.3 billion in the first half of 2025, making it the highest half-year total in 2016. However, the country's mining sector is plagued by illegal mining, which undermines environmental sustainability and poses health risks to local communities.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS) has been working closely with the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to crack down on illegal mining practices that destroy water bodies and forest reserves.
Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of GoldBod, warned that no volume of gold is worth a human life, emphasizing the need to protect the environment and communities. However, the situation is becoming increasingly complex, with reports of extremist groups trading guns for gold in mining communities, particularly in the Upper East Region.
This has raised concerns about the potential for violence and instability in the region. The government has launched initiatives to address these challenges, including the National Framework for Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism.
The framework involves a multi-agency approach, including civil society organizations, to prevent and counter violent extremism. The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Program aims to transform illegal miners from adversaries to partners by providing training, technology, and alternative economic opportunities.
The program recognizes that many young people see mining as their only path to economic survival. The government is also introducing new legislation that will mandate mining companies to consult local communities to determine their actual needs, moving beyond cosmetic projects to meaningful community development.
The foreign dimension of illegal mining adds another layer of complexity. The government has identified a significant security threat from miners from neighboring countries, who enter Ghana to exploit its mineral resources.
To address this, the government is focusing on comprehensive development. The Feed Ghana program will establish 50 farmer service centers in mining-affected areas, providing equipment and support for agricultural alternatives.
Technological innovation is also key. The government is working with the Geological Survey Department to provide small-scale miners with precise mineral concentration technologies, reducing the use of harmful substances like mercury and cyanide.
Chiefs are now being integrated into the solution, ensuring they are active participants in mining concession approvals and benefit directly from responsible mining practices.
The University of Ghana is contributing to the effort through an anti-galamsey research project, bringing academic rigor to community-centered solutions.
As Ghana stands at this critical juncture, the national dialogue represents a pivotal moment of national reflection, where economic ambition meets environmental responsibility, and where sustainable development is not just a goal, but a necessity.
The road ahead is challenging, but the government's comprehensive approach offers hope. By combining strict enforcement, community engagement, technological innovation, and economic alternatives, Ghana is charting a path towards responsible resource management.
As Hon. Sulemana concluded, the goal is not to chase miners away, but to make them partners in Ghana's sustainable future. The world is watching, and Ghana's approach could become a model for resource-rich developing nations struggling with similar challenges.
