Regularize ‘galamsey’ operators

TWELVE more illegal miners—known as “galamsey” operators—were killed earlier this week, trapped in their mine after a cave-in.

IT should not take more deaths to draw enough public and political attention to this issue to effect real change. Not only do the galamsey miners put themselves in very real personal danger, but they are also destroying the environment through hazardous mining techniques.

AT this point, the illegal miners either need to form an organization recognized by the government or disband completely.

WE believe that if galamsey operators were to be streamlined into small-scale mining companies that have safer mining techniques—both for the individual and for the environment—not only could these unnecessary deaths be prevented, but the government could also control how Ghanaian land is being treated.

AT the very least, the “galamsey” operators could organize into a group that could gain the necessary resources for safe mining from the government. The government, in turn, could fairly regulate where and how mines are built.

WITH the support of local and national governments, these independent operators, who are now regarded, rightfully, as environmental menaces, could contribute to the national economy while making a safe living.

AS it is, people, especially youth, are putting themselves in physical danger, claiming that there are no other jobs available. If the government and other mining companies cannot provide adequate employment opportunities for those who become “galamsey” operators, it becomes difficult to complain of them turning to that illegal mining.

PEOPLE are engaging in illegal mining because it is the best option available to them.

IT is clear that without strict regulations and patrols to eliminate the practice, people will always find ways to pursue the meager wealth promised by illegal mining.

IF organizing the miners into a form of union is not possible or practical, then the government is left with an even more daunting task. In that case, it is the responsibility of local and national governments to strictly crack down on “galamsey” operators.

THIS is not an instance in which the government can continue to just step in once a disaster has occurred or a formal complaint has been logged. Action has to be taken, either to incorporate these miners into a safe and regulated working environment or to stop them completely from even beginning to dig.

SOMETHING has to happen now, not the next time that Ghanaians are killed or the environment ravaged by faulty mines established outside the jurisdiction of the law.