Picture of stagnant water in a galamsey pit
Michael Peprah, President of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has urged the government to partner with small-scale miners in the fight against illegal mining otherwise known as galamsey.
According to him, the government must involve small-scale miners in tackling the menace which has destroyed hectares of forest reserves and many river bodies.
In his estimation, the miners who have been licensed to mine legally have an idea of how illegal miners operate and can assist the government in clamping down on those mining in forest reserves and rivers.
Repatriation
Peprah’s comment comes after the Minister of Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, announced the repatriation of some one hundred and seven (107) foreign nationals following their involvement in illegal mining and other fraudulent activities.
Speaking at the Police Regional Commanders’ Conference on Friday, March 21, 2025, the minister indicated that government is committed to clamping down on illegal mining and other fraudulent activities.
“I have written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that from now on, any equipment found at galamsey sites or in forests must have its tax details traced to the owners,” he said.
“If you are renting out your bulldozers or other equipment to galamsey operators while staying at home, we will track the tax records and come for you.”
Touching on the issue of foreigners who engage in illegal activities, the minister reiterated government’s commitment to strictly apply sanctions to culprits without fear or favour.
“One may ask? What do we do with the foreigners we find in our forests? Since I became interior minister, we have repatriated well over 107 foreign nationals caught in fraud and galamsey operations,” he stated.
“I want to make it clear to all Regional Police Commanders that any foreigner found in our forests should be immediately reported to immigration authorities for deportation. Our first option is to send them back to their countries, and we will not compromise on this.”
Suggestions
Peprah, who has been in the mining industry for years, is quoted to have said in a report by myxyzonline.com, that excavators and other heavy equipment used to plough forest reserves and destroy water bodies are sold to the miners hence, the approach the minister mentioned may not be successful.
“The minister’s approach may not yield the needed result. Some of these machines were put up for sale and bought by people. So, if I am the one who sold it, will you arrest me?” he quizzed.
“Government should meet small scale miners in various regions to engage in a dialogue, just like what GOLDBOD is doing and lay down the new mining policy,” he added.
He believes that when smale-scale miners collaborate with the government to fight galamsey success will be achieved.
On the repatriation of illegal miners, Peprah mentioned that since most of the suspects are Chinese, the policy by the Minister of Interior will be successful.
“It is good. When foreigners involved in galamsey are repatriated, they can’t come back and do the same thing again. In China when you are repatriated you will be jailed,” he said.
He reiterated GNASSM’s commitment to partner government in the fight against galamsey.
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