The President of the Concerned Miners Association of Ghana, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, has called on the government to establish a committee to investigate the alleged mismanagement of resources allocated to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on the issue, he raised concerns over the inefficiency and lack of accountability in previous government efforts to address illegal mining activities.
Kojo Peprah said the successive governments allocated substantial resources to fight galamsey, including a reported $200 million set aside in 2017 for various initiatives.
However, he criticized the execution of these programs, alleging that funds and equipment had not been used effectively.
He pointed to the following expenditures and actions:
Procurement of Pickups and Drones: The government reportedly spent significant amounts, including $100 million on branded pickup vehicles and $2 million on drones, under initiatives such as Operation Galam Stop. Despite these investments, Peprah alleged that these resources failed to yield the intended results due to poor implementation.
Development of Galam Stop Application: A reported $1 million was allocated to create a digital application to fast-track the licensing process for small-scale miners. The app, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency, has yet to be fully operational.
Installation of GPS Tracking Devices: GPS trackers were purchased to monitor mining machinery, ensuring compliance with regulations. However, Peprah stated that this initiative was not properly implemented.
Missing Equipment and Misuse Allegations
Peprah further alleged that 500 excavators seized from small-scale miners as part of the anti-galamsey fight had gone missing, with some reportedly reappearing for private use. He also claimed that certain machines were burned, while others were allegedly sold to individuals for profit.
“These funds and equipment were meant to help curb illegal mining, but instead, they appear to have been mismanaged,” Peprah stated. “We demand an investigation to uncover the truth behind these issues and ensure such mistakes are not repeated.”
The Concerned Miners Association has urged the government to:
- Establish an independent investigative committee to review the use of resources allocated to the galamsey fight.
- Investigate the whereabouts of missing equipment and the misappropriation of funds.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in future initiatives to combat illegal mining.
Peprah emphasized that lessons must be learned from previous governments’ failings to address galamsey effectively. He also called on government officials involved in these programs to provide explanations for the lapses in implementation.
According to Peprah, addressing these challenges is essential to rebuilding trust and ensuring a sustainable approach to combating illegal mining. “If we do not investigate and learn from these mistakes, we risk repeating them and failing in our fight against galamsey,” he concluded.
The Concerned Miners Association remains committed to advocating for small-scale miners’ rights while supporting efforts to promote sustainable and lawful mining practices in Ghana.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
