How Local Government in Ghana Has Contributed to Galamsey

Illegal small-scale mining or galamsey remains one of the most worrying concerns in Ghana, considering its contribution to environmental pollution and the threat of jobs. Some of the significant causes of illegal mining include money problems, weak rules, and greed, among others. The involvement of the local government is also a contributing factor. While supposed to help the community and enforce laws, local governments have either directly or indirectly contributed a great deal to the rise and continued saga of galamsey. How Local Government Contributes to Galamsey Crisis.

1. Mining rules are not well implemented.

Local governments have abetted galamsey one way or another through failing to enforce mining regulations. Although there are laws that target the regulation of mining activities, local authorities often fail to enforce such laws. This is partly due to the fact that they lack both resources and workers, but this is also because some officials choose to ignore illegal mining so that galamsey operators can continue working unpunished.

2. Corruption in Local Authorities

Besides, corruption seems to be one of the big contributors to the galamsey problem. Several times, local government officials have been blamed for taking bribes from illegal miners in return for protection or turning a blind eye toward what they do. Indeed, this corruption allows galamsey operators to keep mining illegally because they know the local authorities will not stop them. Because there is money to be made, some officials will always put their interests above that of the environment and community.

3. How Politics Affects Local Government

It is common for local government officials to be embroiled in political power fights that make it even harder to deal with galamsey. Political leaders seeking votes or support sometimes use their powers to aid operators of galamsey or make lives easier for illegal mining to persist. This kind of political interference can make it hard for local authorities to enforce mining laws, especially if they would have to stand up to strong political leaders.

READ ALSO: How Galamsey Has Contributed to Economic Hardship in Ghana

4. Inadequate Resources to the Local Government

Even when the local government officials want to take any action against galamsey, problems seem to hinder their actions due to lack of resources. In most of the cases, local governments in many places lack the money and support needed for the enforcement of mining laws or monitoring illegal mining activities effectively. This inability gives illegal miners a way out to easily carry on with their activities without feeling their backs.

5. Non-availability of Alternatives to Livelihood

Local governments develop the economy at community levels, but where illegal mining is happening broadly, they did not provide alternatives to the people. Lack of employment opportunities in the areas compels the people of that region to ultimately indulge in illegal mining just for survival. The local government could do a better job in devising more long-term employment opportunities, especially in rural areas, which reduce the incentives for people to get involved in illegal mining.

Conclusion

Moreover, local governments have played critical roles in the nagging problem of galamsey, through corruption, weak enforcement, or lack of alternative employment opportunities. Therefore, the galamsey crisis requires improved local governance, greater transparency, and a commitment to sustainable economic development. Do you think the local governments can better help fight galamsey? Please let us know your views by commenting below!

Source: Xtrememediaonline.com