Policy analyst and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Joshua Zaato, has sharply criticised the government’s approach to fighting illegal mining (galamsey), saying it unfairly rewards foreigners while punishing locals.
According to him, current policies allow foreigners to exploit Ghana’s resources, send their earnings home, and still receive government-funded deportation instead of prosecution.
“Not only have they destroyed our lands and water bodies, but we also use taxpayers’ money to buy them tickets to return home and enjoy the loot,” he said.
Dr. Zaato argued that government must treat all offenders equally, whether Ghanaian or foreign.
He recalled the controversial deportation of Aisha Huang and said such actions send the wrong message about the country’s seriousness in combating illegal mining.
He called on the Interior Minister and the President to adopt a clear, measurable strategy in the fight against galamsey.
He proposed:
• A “social contract” on galamsey spelling out government’s goals, timelines, and definitions of success and failure.
• Budget transparency showing how much will be spent and how resources will be allocated.
• Tracking financiers targeting the “big men” behind illegal mining operations by linking excavator numbers to owners and freezing their bank accounts.
Dr. Zaato also backed calls from the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey for a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining.
He described galamsey as an existential crisis threatening Ghana’s survival, requiring an “all-of-the-above” approach similar to America’s war on terrorism after 9/11.
He further suggested honouring security personnel who have died in anti-galamsey operations by launching an initiative or imposing a temporary ban on surface mining in their memory.
“Without clear targets, timelines, and a strong enforcement framework, the fight against galamsey will remain an empty political slogan,” he warned.
