By Ghana News

Copyright ghanamma

A Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP), Dr Frank Bannor, has dismissed suggestions by government functionaries that traditional authorities should lead in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In a note shared with some media outlets, Dr Bannor urged the government to take full responsibility for combating galamsey and to halt what he described as a “media-sponsored narrative” shifting the burden onto traditional authorities.

“The government should not shirk its responsibility in the fight against illegal mining activities. These attempts by persons affiliated with the ruling party to push the narrative that chiefs should lead in the fight against galamsey must be halted immediately,” he stated.

The development economist stressed that while traditional authorities have a role to play, they cannot be placed at the forefront of the battle.

“From all indications, this media agenda and advocacy is state-sponsored. It is true we cannot leave traditional authorities out of this fight but pushing them to lead it is nothing but a deliberate effort by the Mahama government to run away from its responsibilities,” he added.

Over the past week, prominent figures—including business magnate Sir Sam Jonah, former Information Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, media personalities, and political activists aligned with the NDC—have been calling for traditional leaders to spearhead the galamsey fight.

Dr Bannor, however, insisted that government must take charge by developing a comprehensive blueprint that includes punitive measures against owners of excavators and landowners who enable illegal mining activities.

“We at IERPP posit that whatever blueprint is being developed by the government to combat illegal mining should include punitive actions against owners of excavators and landowners. There can never be galamsey on land without the tacit approval of the landowner. Owners of seized excavators must also be penalized to deter others from renting out their machines for such activities,” he emphasised.

He concluded by pointing out inconsistencies in the ruling party’s approach:

“The NDC told us how they were going to deal with galamsey in their 2024 manifesto. It never included traditional leaders being tasked to lead the fight. Government must lead this fight.”

Also, watch some videos from the NPP’s protest below