Ghanaians have called for drastic approach to fighting illegal mining (galamsey)
Illegal mining, widely referred to as galamsey, has resurfaced on social media, prompting strong protests from Ghanaian netizens against this ongoing issue.
This reaction is on the back reports that some illegal miners in the Offin Shelterbelt forest reserve ambushed and attacked members of the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response team.
A member of the team was reportedly brutally attacked with a machete by the galamseyers slashing his knee and leaving him in a life-threatening condition. The miners were also reported to be heavily armed, carrying assault rifles and machetes.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern on X (formerly Twitter), with netizens demanding the enactment and enforcement of stricter punitive measures and a more robust approach to eradicating illegal mining.
Critics raised concerns over the effectiveness of the recently launched water guards by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to monitor river health, identify illegal mining activities and collaborate with local communities and traditional authorities to combat water pollution.
They questioned how the water guards, who are viewed as vulnerable and possibly ill-equipped would be able to combat the issue and apprehend those involved, considering the miners’ tendency to attack without hesitation.
Others also proposed a tougher approach of ‘shoot to kill’ to dealing with what they describe as an ‘organized cartel and syndicates.’
They further criticised the government for its apparent inaction since assuming power, despite campaigning heavily on the issue of galamsey and making promises to combat it.
They also accused the government of politicising the issue, which, in their view, should not have been politicised.