A brazen disregard for Ghana’s mining laws has ignited outrage as illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” thrives near a police barrier in Wassa Japa, within the Amenfi East Municipality. Environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor’s exposé on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem paints a disturbing picture: mining activities unfolding in plain sight of law enforcement, raising profound questions about the state’s commitment to quelling this menace. The illegal miners, many of whom are not even Ghanaian nationals, operate with impunity, tearing up the land and polluting the water bodies, seemingly without fear of arrest or prosecution. This article delves into the details of the scandal, exploring the legal violations, environmental risks, and the troubling silence of authorities. The heart of the matter lies in the blatant violation of regulations concerning galamsey, or illegal gold mining, and its devastating consequences for both the environment and the rule of law.

Erastus Asare Donkor, speaking on Adom FM, highlighted the “disturbing” and “dangerous” situation in Wassa Japa, revealing that the mining operations are not clandestine affairs hidden deep within the forest. Instead, they occur openly, adjacent to a permanent police barrier. “There is a police barrier where personnel are working every day,” Mr. Donkor stated. “The mining is taking place on both sides of the road while the barrier is there permanently, but no action has been taken.” This brazen activity directly challenges the authority of the state and raises serious questions about possible complicity or negligence.

The Minerals and Mining Act is unequivocal in its prohibition of mining within 100 meters of public roads and human settlements. According to Mr. Donkor, “This is happening right in the middle of the community—on both sides of the road—and it goes against every regulation in the books.” The operations in Wassa Japa directly violate this act, demonstrating a clear breach of regulations. The question then becomes: how can such a blatant violation occur right under the noses of law enforcement? Consider the impact on the local communities who, in addition to the environmental damage, also have to deal with the noise and increased crime rates.

The inaction of the police, local authorities, and traditional leaders is perhaps the most troubling aspect of this scandal. Their silence raises concerns about possible complicity or, at the very least, a profound indifference to the illegal mining activities. “Is it that we don’t care about what is happening?” Mr. Donkor asked pointedly. “If that’s the case, then we should declare that galamsey is no longer illegal, so people can take excavators and go mining freely. We need to take this menace seriously.” This sentiment reflects the growing frustration among Ghanaians who are witnessing the destruction of their environment and the erosion of the rule of law.

One must ask, why are authorities seemingly turning a blind eye to the illegal mining activities? Possible reasons for the inaction include corruption, lack of resources, or fear of reprisal from powerful individuals involved in galamsey. The lack of accountability perpetuates the problem and emboldens illegal miners, creating a vicious cycle of environmental destruction and impunity.

Unregulated mining poses significant environmental and health risks to the community. As Mr. Donkor rightly pointed out, “We are sitting on a ticking time bomb. The land and water bodies are being destroyed right before our eyes, and yet those in authority appear indifferent.” Land degradation and water pollution are immediate consequences of galamsey, rendering farmland infertile and contaminating vital water sources. These are the very resources upon which local communities depend for their livelihoods and survival.

The long-term consequences of unregulated galamsey are dire. Irreversible damage to ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and health problems related to water contamination are just the beginning. The long-term effects could devastate communities that rely on these natural resources, leading to displacement, poverty, and social unrest. It’s not just about the gold; it’s about the future of Ghana.

The Wassa Japa scandal exacerbates concerns about the government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining. The fact that these activities occur near security personnel raises questions about the effectiveness of existing measures and the political will to tackle this problem head-on. Can the government truly claim to be committed to eradicating galamsey when such blatant violations are allowed to continue unchecked?

To address the galamsey issue, several key steps must be taken:

• Increased enforcement of mining laws and regulations is crucial.
• Greater transparency and accountability among authorities are essential.
• Empowering local communities to report illegal activities is a must.
• Providing sustainable alternative livelihood programs for those involved in galamsey is needed.

The Wassa Japa galamsey scandal serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action against illegal mining in Ghana. Erastus Asare Donkor’s revelations underscore the devastating impact of these activities on the environment, health, and the rule of law. Until authorities prioritize enforcement and accountability, the fight against galamsey will remain a losing battle, threatening the future of communities and ecosystems. It is imperative that stringent measures are implemented to curb galamsey and safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. Contact your local representatives and demand action to stop the destruction.