GHANA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

(GIMPA)

MASTERS IN LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

The Wicked Problem

Submitted by:

Nnemeleh Magdalene (214027732)

The high incidence of "galamsey" or illegal mining in recent times, have been on several

discussions and heated debates for some time now and has perplexed the minds of the general

public in Ghana. Each day various analysts of various dispositions are found expressing their

views on this disturbing menace in newspapers, television, radio, internet and magazines. Each

year, illegal mining strips some 28 billion tons of material from the earth. This is more than what

is removed by the natural erosion of all the earth's rivers. Worldwide, mining generates an

estimated 2.7 billion tons of processing waste each year. Mining (galamsey) could also cause

more damaging deforestation than bad farming practices in certain parts of the country, Ghana.

The lack of employment opportunities in this country is a contributory factor to this situation.

The absence of job facilities in our towns, cities and villages has compelled our able-bodied

young men and women to join some of the foreigners (not to mention of the Chinese).

One major cause of this menace in the country is our ailing economy, which is incapable of

supporting the skilled worker. Inflation is high, and the prices of goods are simply unaffordable.

It is very difficult for workers who are poorly paid and do not enjoy incentives to make ends

meet. They do not enjoy free or low cost medical care, accommodation, water and electricity and

this makes it extremely difficult for them to perform their social responsibilities.

For many in the gold mining industry in particular, illegal mining is seen as a factor most likely

to dominate global mining challenges over the next 10 years. Recognizing that illegal mining

cannot be completely eliminated, stakeholders can take steps to limit its expansion. Countering

illegal mining requires a balanced, long-term strategy that confronts it both directly, and while

addressing its root causes.

The following five policy-focused solutions are derived with the intention of providing practical,

universal answers:

1) Identify and protect areas most susceptible to illegal mining activities

Because illegal mining generally occurs in abandoned shafts or within improperly closed mines,

governments can implement intermediate and permanent measures to manage these sites and

coordinate long-term monitoring systems. Areas around abandoned and closed mines can be

designated 'high risk zones' and as such their access restricted.

2) Tighten regulatory controls on mine closures

To curb illegal mining, governments must ensure proper closure and security of all closed mines.

In addition to financial guarantees, governments must insist that mining companies provide mine

closure plans before granting permits. Contractual language can be employed to reinforce these

efforts, wherein companies that fail to secure their closed mines are subject to face hefty

penalties.

3) Establish a task-force to crackdown on illegal mining and trafficking

Not only do illegal miners operate without a permit, and on closed and abandoned mine sites,

they also trespass on operating mines. The creation of a well-trained, mining-focused task force

serves to enforce the ban on illegal mining, and protect license-holders whose mining areas are

subject to these intrusions.

4) Monitor and regulate small-scale miners

Artisanal miners should be offered a channel to formally register with governmental agencies

and should be encouraged to form local mining cooperatives. The cooperatives serve as a conduit
to provide small-scale miners with the necessary skills training, including but not limited to

education on the impact of irresponsible mining on health, safety and the environment.

Permitting local mining cooperatives through this channel, enables the government to monitor

and regulate mining practices and activities more closely.

5) Create alternative employment opportunities

So that local inhabitants are not driven to engage in illegal mining practices, providing economic

opportunities to rural communities is a solution that has a lasting impact. Growth in non-mining

sectors of the economy create alternative employment opportunities in rural areas, and

encourages the migration of labor out of illegal mining.

These five solutions work best in tandem with one another as the nature and complexity of the

problem necessitates a comprehensive approach.