The Forestry Commission has admitted that corruption among political officials and law enforcement agencies continues to hinder Ghana’s fight against
The Forestry Commission has admitted that corruption among political officials and law enforcement agencies continues to hinder Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at a High-Level National Dialogue on Mobilizing Citizens’ Consensus on Solutions to the Galamsey Crisis in Koforidua, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, said corruption within key state institutions remains a major driver of the menace.
“The main drivers of this madness, however, are corruption among political officials and law enforcement agencies, which has exacerbated the problem and undermined efforts to combat this menace. I am sure this is one known truth to all of us in this room,” he stated.
Mr. Kotoko further cited weak enforcement of mining regulations, unemployment, poverty, and limited access to opportunities as additional factors perpetuating illegal mining activities.
“Limited awareness of the environmental and health risks associated with galamsey among citizens, weak enforcement of mining regulations, unemployment, poverty, and limited access to opportunities — and lastly, the global high demand for gold — incentivize illegal mining,” he explained.
He urged stronger collaboration between government agencies, traditional leaders, and local communities to sustain public education, enhance enforcement of mining laws, and ensure a more coordinated national response to the galamsey crisis.