President John Dramani Mahama is set to convene a high-level meeting today, Friday, October 3, with civil society organisations (CSOs) and key stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable solutions to the destruction caused by illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
This engagement will gather prominent groups, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ghana, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Office of the Chief Imam, the Ghana Muslim Mission, Arocha Ghana, and IMANI Ghana, among others.
The meeting aims to create a platform for stakeholders to exchange views and suggest strategies that will enhance ongoing government initiatives to combat this issue.
Presidential Aide, Dr. Sammy Ayeh, highlighted that the government views the battle against galamsey as a collective obligation.
“The objective of the meeting is for the government to gather feedback, strategies, and recommendations from these organisations and institutions to support the existing efforts aimed at eradicating galamsey. It is important to note that since this government took office, significant progress has been made.
From operational to legislative actions, we have implemented measures to repeal LI 2462, which had become a contentious issue,” he clarified.
He further stated that although the government has intensified both operational and legislative reforms, broader collaboration with faith-based and civil society organisations is essential for successfully combating illegal mining.
“The government is convinced that the fight against galamsey is a shared endeavor,” Dr. Ayeh remarked.
The decision to engage CSOs has elicited mixed responses. While some have embraced the initiative as a positive move, others contend that it may lead to more discussions than tangible actions.
The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, characterized the initiative as “a step in the right direction.”
Nevertheless, Franklin Cudjoe, the President of IMANI Africa, voiced his doubts, condemning what he perceives as the government’s excessive dependence on dialogue.
