The Ghana Geospatial Society statement on gallamsey.pdf
- 1. P.O. Box GP 18306 Accra GW-1107--22858 1st Floor Okyere Plaza Kingsby Mile 7 Accra, Ghana +233-(0)- 3029-4356 info@ggs.org.gh www.ggs.org.gh September 19, 2024 PRESS RELEASE TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES The Ghana Geospatial Society (GGS) unequivocally condemns the ongoing crisis of galamsey and illegal mining that continues to ravage our nation and call on a ban on all forms of small scale and community mining schemes for one year period with a rigorous repair of the menace at hand whilst an effective regulation and monitoring mechanisms are put in place. The relentless environmental devastation, severe health risks and grave socio-economic repercussions associated with these illicit activities have reached a critical juncture, necessitating immediate, decisive and a coordinated action. As a professional body dedicated to the advancement of geospatial science and technology, we stand at the forefront of the fight against these destructive practices and are fully committed to leveraging our expertise to support sustainable and effective solutions. It is imperative to clearly differentiate between small-scale mining regulated and sanctioned by law and galamsey, which represents illegal mining. Under the Mineral and Mining Act, small-scale mining is defined by the size of the concession area: individual licenses cover up to 25 acres and group licenses up to 50 acres. However, given the extensive environmental damage often linked to these operations, a reevaluation of these definitions is warranted. While small-scale miners operate under regulatory oversight, galamsey involves non-compliance with regulations, particularly concerning environmental safeguards. Many small-scale miners argue that they should not be classified as galamsey operators, as illegal miners who take over operations after they leave are often responsible for exacerbating environmental harm. The Minerals Commission defines illegal mining, or galamsey, as activities conducted without the requisite legal permits and licenses. This term, derived from the phrase "gather them and sell," highlights the unregulated nature of these operations. Historically artisanal, galamsey has evolved to incorporate advanced machinery such as excavators and dredgers, increasing its destructive capacity. Key scenarios constituting illegal mining include mining water bodies or near water sources, mining on non-designated lands, encroachment on large-scale mining concessions, encroachment on small- scale mining concessions, and mining on prospecting concessions. Each of these activities represents a severe violation of regulations and contributes significantly to environmental degradation and socio- economic instability.
- 2. Small-scale mining, in contrast to illegal mining, is legally regulated and operates within a structured framework designed to ensure environmental and safety standards. The Community Mining Scheme (CMS) was introduced to enable local communities to engage in small-scale mining legally, focusing on environmental protection and community benefits. The CMS integrates elements of legal small- scale mining as outlined in the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) with the Tributer System, ensuring responsible practices and adherence to regulations 493-506 of the Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2012 (L.I 2182). Some monitoring works carried out by our members point to the fact that most of the environmentally devastative results of mining are found in areas where the operations of the small-scale mining and Community Mining Schemes (CMS) are taking place. The Minerals Commission employs various tools to monitor mining activities, including the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking Control Centre, drone piloting training, on-site inspections, Geographic Information System (GIS), and collaboration with security forces. Despite these efforts, significant weaknesses persist, including inadequate real-time monitoring, limited technological integration, insufficient community engagement, and pervasive corruption. To address these issues, we recommend several actions: enhancing the use of geospatial technology through advanced GIS and remote sensing for real-time monitoring; expanding the use of drones and satellite imagery for comprehensive surveillance; establishing a centralized data management system to improve coordination; increasing community involvement in monitoring and reporting; investing in training for staff on emerging technologies and best practices; restricting mining to designated areas to protect water sources and food security; and strengthening political will and governance reforms to address corruption and improve oversight. The GGS is committed to offering its expertise to combat illegal mining. We propose providing technical support in GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis; conducting training programs for regulators and community members; and partnering on research initiatives to enhance monitoring and enforcement. We urge all stakeholders to unite in the fight against galamsey and illegal mining, leveraging every available tool and resource to eradicate these destructive practices and safeguard our nations future. Signed Michael Nyoagbe President of Ghana Geospatial Society