Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana Criticizes Failure to Combat Illegal Mining.
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SOURCE: Myjoyonline.com
Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana Criticizes Failure to Combat Illegal Mining
The Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Jeroen Verheul, has expressed concerns that Ghana seems to be losing its battle against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, due to inadequate enforcement of relevant laws.
During an exclusive interview on JoyNews’ AM Show with Benjamin Akakpo on Thursday, Mr. Verheul highlighted the challenges in combating illegal mining. He mentioned, “There is not a lot of success in combating illegal mining. Organisations opposing it forcefully tell me that it is very difficult to get enforcement. For example, if the police act and arrest somebody, that person is often out of prison very soon.”
Mr. Verheul observed that while gold production has increased significantly, this growth is primarily occurring in the informal sector rather than the formal sector. He also stated that he avoids using the term “galamsey” as it implies something cultural or uniquely African, which he believes is inaccurate. Instead, he prefers to describe it as small-scale illegal mining.
Addressing the issue, the Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana noted that solving the problem of illegal mining requires substantial effort, but he remains skeptical about the possibility of curtailing the menace. He suggested that some parties might benefit from illegal mining and therefore have a vested interest in its continuation.
“I do not have the knowledge and expertise to indicate who those parties might be, but if there was a general political will and if there was an enforcement capacity, then Ghana would be able to solve this issue, but it is not happening,” he added.
