The fight against galamsey demands clear timelines and actionable steps, not just rhetoric. This is the candid assessment of Daryl E. Bosu, Deputy National Director of Operations at A Rocha Ghana, during an insightful interview with Naa Dedei Tettey on Starr FM.

Bosu shared his thoughts on addressing the illegal mining crisis while expressing cautious optimism about recent government commitments.

“It was good to hear him reassure us about reviewing LI 2462. This has been a major issue for us, and the current government had already committed to addressing it prior to the 2024 elections. We are looking forward to seeing tangible commitments and actions,” Bosu said.

He further emphasized that empowering local communities is the bedrock of any sustainable solution to the galamsey problem.

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“Every river flows through a community that depends on it. Empowering these communities and giving them a voice is critical. Often, when communities report illegal activities affecting their water bodies or forest reserves, their concerns go unaddressed by authorities, leading to further escalation of the problem,” he explained.

Bosu argued that a grassroots-driven approach is critical for success, stating, “The issue is not just about setting up structures like river guards. It’s about empowering communities to take ownership of their natural resources. A top-down approach will not work without community involvement.”

However, he expressed disappointment at the lack of specific timelines in the government’s plans to tackle illegal mining. “While the intentions are good, the lack of specific timelines was disappointing. We need clear goals to track outcomes and ensure accountability,” Bosu said.

Ending the menace of galamsey requires more than promises—it demands a coordinated and inclusive strategy that minimizes political interference and prioritizes compliance and enforcement. “The work ahead is immense. Compliance and enforcement must improve, and political interference must be minimized to achieve lasting solutions to these issues,” he concluded.

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