Mining consultant Seth Worlashime says declaring a state of emergency to fight illegal mining, or galamsey, is not the solution Ghana needs at this point.
Speaking on 3FM’s Hot Edition on Tuesday September 16, 2025, he proposed a nationwide moratorium on mining activities for at least three months.
According to him, the pause should be used to reclaim degraded lands.
“Every mining person or company with equipment seen to be used for illegal activity should be brought on board to reclaim the land,” he stressed, adding that this period should focus on filling the numerous pits and manholes left in mining areas.
Mr. Worlashime also questioned the President’s idea of sending miners to Australia for training, arguing that it would be more effective to bring experts from countries like Australia to Ghana to teach miners sustainable methods on the ground.
He further suggested a legislative amendment to introduce a 1% land reclamation fee on mining operations.
The fee, he explained, should be put into a fund dedicated to land restoration efforts across the country.
Worlashime also criticized the political divisions surrounding the galamsey fight.
He noted that partisan posturing where opposition and government voices differ depending on who is in power has worsened the crisis and distracted from real solutions.
