Declaring a state of emergency alone cannot end the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, according to Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Media Relations Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with ABC News GH on Monday, June 23, 2025, Schandorf described such a move as premature and counterproductive if not backed by comprehensive policies.
“We are looking at the equivalent of about 7,500 football pitches that have been depleted. How can any government, no matter how resourceful, restore that in a matter of six months?” he asked, highlighting the scale of environmental degradation.
Schandorf emphasized that the government’s current approach is multi-pronged and policy-driven.
“If you declare a state of emergency without the accompanying policies, then it’s not going anywhere,” he cautioned.
He outlined ongoing reforms including the redefinition of the mining licensing regime, withdrawal of licenses, tightening of monitoring systems, and a possible revision of mining laws.
“We are embarking on a massive reclamation campaign, which has already begun with the Tree for Life initiative,” he stated, stressing that sustainable, long-term efforts were underway.
According to Schandorf, the government’s strategic plan involves five key pillars: reformation of regulations, reclamation of degraded lands, provision of alternative livelihoods for former miners, deepening of public education on environmental protection, and rigorous enforcement of security monitoring.
These pillars, he argued, are designed to produce more sustainable outcomes than reactive emergency declarations. “We believe this is the more responsible and effective route to end galamsey permanently,” he concluded.
