THE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS TO ILLEGAL MINING IN GHANA.

There has been a lot of public outcry about the issue of illegal mining in
Ghana.Despite the numerous efforts made to change the situation,it
keeps on deteriorating every day .For how long are we going to sit down
nonchalantly to watch people destroy our environment and forest
reserves?
The answer to this question is with us as citizens of Ghana.Therefore ,all
hands must be on deck to ensure that this menace becomes a thing of
the past.This article seeks to present some causes and solutions to
illegal mining in Ghana.
First and foremost,the high rate of unemployment.The lack of jobs
in Ghana is causing a lot of problems of which illegal mining is
one.Unemployed graduates who find it difficult to make ends meet
sometimes resort to illegal mining popularly known as “galamsey” to earn
money for survival.
However,this problem can be addressed when the government of
Ghana makes efforts to set-up jobs and business ventures for the
youth.The government should also provide funds to the youth who are
willing to start businesses on their own.
Secondly,the material desires of the youth.The youth have
developed a strong taste for materials which they can not afford to buy
for themselves,this has compelled many of our youth to engage in this
activity in order to generate money for their expenses.As a developing
country we must ensure that the youth are given proper training so as to
achieve our goal of sustainable development.
However,this challenge can be controlled through effective public
education.The education should be centered on the negatives effects of
“galamsey” on the environment.These young people are in the best
position to understand it because it is taught at various levels of
education in ghana.Rural areas should not be left out it should cover the
whole nation.
Finally,poverty is a major cause of illegal mining in
Ghana.Many people in Ghana engage in illegal mining because
they can not afford their basic needs,as a result they engage in
illegal mining activities to get money for their upkeep.The inability of
many families to afford an average of a dollar for each member per
day according to the United Nation is regarded as being poor.A lot
of people in Ghana including young people find it very difficult to
afford one square meal a day.
However,the problem of poverty can be minimized if not
totally eradicated when the government of ghana implement
poverty alleviation ventures for these people.They should be
empowered with funds to engage in businesses which will help
alleviate them from poverty.When this is done,it will go along away
to reduce people's involvement in illegal mining here in ghana.
In conclusion,it must be emphasized that the above
measures, when put in place,the issue of illegal mining popularly
known as “galamsey” will be a thing of the past in Ghana.

Anondee Mathias Akolima

St.Hubert Sem/SHS
Kumasi.