The Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Jeroen Verheul, has observed that Ghana appears to be losing its fight against illegal mining also known as galamsey.
According to him, this is due to the lack of enforcement of laws surrounding the activity.
“… There is not a lot of success in combating illegal mining, and if I speak to organisations that are forcefully opposing illegal mining, they tell me it is very difficult to get enforcement. For example, if the police act and arrest somebody, that person is often out of prison very soon.”
Mr Verheul disclosed his observation during an exclusive interview on JoyNews’ AM Show with Benjamin Akakpo on Thursday.
Mr. Verheul noted that although gold production has increased significantly, this growth is occurring in the informal sector rather than the formal sector.
He further mentioned that he avoids using the term “galamsey” because it implies something cultural or uniquely African, which he believes is inaccurate.
According to him, he prefers to describe it as small-scale illegal mining.
To address the menace, the Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana said it required substantial effort.
However, he doubts the menace can be curtailed.
According to him, some parties likely benefit from illegal mining and therefore have an interest in its continuation.
“I do not have the knowledge and expertise to indicate who those parties might be, but if there was a general political will and if there was an enforcement capacity, then Ghana would be able to solve this issue, but it is not happening.“
