The Ghanaian government has delivered such scarce results despite allocating about $200 million to combat illegal mining (galamsey) between 2017 and 2024.
Development Diaries reports that Ghanaians, most recently small-scale miners, are raising concerns over accountability regarding the use of the funds allocated to combat galamsey in the country.
Recall that in October 2024, hundreds of protesters started demonstrations in Accra to demand an end to illegal mining.
Illegal mining has continuously degraded the environment in Ghana, causing harm to people and denying them access to water bodies and farmlands due to severe pollution.
When former President Nana Akufo-Addo took over office in 2017, he indicated his administration was prepared to put his presidency on the line to fight illegal mining.
However, after over $200 million allocated to combat galamsey, tangible results are yet to be felt by the people.
Concerns are getting louder with recent reports of misappropriation of funds meant to procure pick-ups, drones, GPS tracking devices, galamstop app, and training of drone pilots, among others, with many calling for investigations.
According to the National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners (NCASSM), the fight against galamsey would only succeed if public resources were used transparently and effectively.
With John Mahama now in office as the President, galamsey remains one key issue the people are eager for his administration to address.
Development Diaries call on President Mahama to ensure better allocation of funds is made to combat illegal mining across the country with better implementation measures to bring about tangible results.
We also urge the Mahama administration to probe into the utilisation of the funds allocated in previous administrations to ensure proper accountability.
Photo source: DW