By Kingsley Nana Buadu
The Central Region Security Council led by the new Minister, Ekow Panyin Eduamoah, has renewed it commitment with a new approach towards the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
According to the council the approach should rather be more of engaging and involving the communities more to find solutions through alternative livelihoods and support rather than chasing the perpetrators with armed security men.
The council arrived at this after visiting Assin Asamang, a community described as the galamsey headquarters within Fosu Municipality of the Central Region
Assin Asamang is a community described as “galamsey” headquarters in the Fosu Municipality of the Central Region.
Although that is not the only community engaging in illegal mining activity the level at which the criminal activity takes place here and the devastating environmental damage, irreversible harm to eco-systems, the health effects on the people and unsustainable exploitation of the natural resource is mind boggling.
It was around 2 PM on Tuesday when the Minister and his REGSEC team members arrived at the site to ascertain the extent of destruction.
Although there was no one at the site, there were signs of activities in the forest and in the offin -river either the previous night or that morning.
To the people of the community, the illegal mining activity is a matter of survival when engaged.
The Minister and his various security commanders were amazed at the devastation.
Mr. Ekow Panyin Eduamoah , however proposed a new approach to dealing with the situation than criminalizing and the use of armed security men.
A short interaction with the people suggested that, though the people are aware of the illegality being perpetrated, they seem to be oblivious of the devastating environmental, health and socio-economic effect of their actions now and the future.
They described their actions as that of survival. They said ” We are aware what we are doing is unacceptable but how do we survive in this our community without this?”.
Others also explained that although, they get scared when armed security and task force are sent after them, but questioned how long would the security be with them in their community.
What it means is that, they will run away upon their arrival but would return to work after they have left.
The elders of the town admitted knowledge of the galamsey activities but say, there is nothing they could do about it.
The Assembly man of Assin Asamang Gregory Ankomah Gyekye, was bold enough to admit his participation. He however made some propositions for consideration. Among his proposal are the need for more engagement, provision of alternative livelihood and support and formation of community taskforce.
From this, it has become evident that changing the approach to fighting the menace should be appropriately considered.
Engaging more with the various galamsey communities. Presenting them with evidence of impact and devastation of their actions and inactions, discussion of alternative livelihood opportunities and support for them should be considered.
These interventions should then be followed with formation of task force in all such communities to protect their own rivers and forest.
Indeed the illegal mining fight continues. It is a fight that need to be fought and won, for posterity would not forgive us should we lose this fight to the few criminal.
