Greed and irresponsibility fueling galamsey crisis – Dr Frank Bannor

Dr Frank Bannor, Development Economist and Head of Research at the Danquah Institute, has called for greater responsibility and introspection in addressing the destructive rise of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokokrokoo Show on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, he explained the stark contrast between traditional mining practices and the current galamsey crisis. Dr Bannor emphasized that greed and irresponsibility have become the primary drivers of illegal mining in Ghana.

“What has changed in how people mine, compared to history, is greed and irresponsibility on our part. This is what has led to the rise of galamsey, which is now a serious threat to our environment, economy, and future,” he indicated.

Dr Bannor, who hails from the mining town of Obuasi, recounted his connection to Ghana’s mining industry. According to him, his father, uncle, and grandfather were all miners. However, he said his father’s traumatic accident underground, a direct result of the hazardous conditions in the mining sector, discouraged him from pursuing a career in mining.

“The experience and trauma of my father having an accident underground due to mining demotivated me from engaging in mining directly,” he revealed.

Historical roots

Reflecting on the historical roots of mining in Ghana, Dr Bannor explained the origin of galamsey, tracing it back to the traditional practice known as “gather and sell.”

“If my history serves me right, galamsey is the corrupted version of ‘gather and sell.’ When you look at the history of mining communities, before they all became multinational mining companies, it was ‘gather and sell,’ which is now galamsey. So, when you talk about the history of the Asante, especially the Adansi enclave, they were all engaged in ‘gather and sell,’” Dr Bannor explained.

He further elaborated on how the practice was once a legitimate means for local miners to extract and sell gold, contributing to the livelihoods of individuals and families across mining regions.

However, he stated that the shift from this traditional artisanal practice to the dangerous and illegal methods used today, under the influence of greed, had dramatically altered the mining landscape.

He said the devastation brought by modern galamsey practices has left environmental damage, poisoned water bodies, and eroded farmlands, making it one of the most pressing issues facing Ghana.

Collective efforts

Dr Bannor emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the galamsey menace, stressing that the solution requires accountability from both individuals and communities, as well as stricter enforcement of regulations by the government.

He also pointed out that education on responsible mining practices and sustainable livelihoods was critical to curbing the rise of illegal mining.

He reiterated that while mining has historically provided jobs and opportunities, the current trajectory of illegal mining threatens to undo much of Ghana’s progress. “Greed and irresponsibility are the real culprits behind the illegal mining epidemic. If we don’t change our approach, the future of mining in this country will remain in jeopardy,” Dr Bannor warned.

Reporting by Wilberforce Asare in Accra

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