Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams has directly linked Ghana's illegal mining crisis, commonly known as galamsey, to a broader national culture of indiscipline and weak accountability. He states that the galamsey menace should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a wider societal challenge where laws are often ignored or poorly enforced.
This perspective suggests that the fight against galamsey requires more than just law enforcement; it demands a fundamental shift in national attitudes towards compliance. The Archbishop's observations during a visit to Kigali, Rwanda, highlighted the contrast in adherence to regulations, such as motorcycle helmet use. He noted that Ghana's challenge extends to a general failure to comply with rules designed to protect citizens and promote order.
Ghana's economy has long grappled with the severe environmental and financial costs of illegal mining. Galamsey operations pollute water bodies, degrade arable land, and cause significant revenue losses for the state. The Bank of Ghana has previously highlighted the negative impact of galamsey on the cedi's stability and the country's overall economic health. This ongoing issue undermines sustainable development goals and deters legitimate investment in the mining sector.
“We are not compliance-driven people,” Archbishop Duncan-Williams stated, emphasizing that a lot of indiscipline exists in the national upbringing. He further explained that this cultural issue makes tackling galamsey difficult, as illegal mining involves organised networks and cartels that resist enforcement efforts. These groups are often armed, complicating the work of law enforcement agencies.
The implications are far-reaching, suggesting that a lasting solution to galamsey requires a multi-faceted approach beyond arrests and seizures. Decision-makers must consider how to foster a stronger culture of responsibility and accountability among citizens and businesses. This includes public education campaigns and strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure consistent law enforcement without political interference. The long-term health of Ghana's environment and economy depends on addressing these underlying societal issues.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams cautioned against expecting quick solutions, noting that the problem is deeply rooted and affects many aspects of national life. He argued that the Church also has a crucial role to play in educating its members about responsible citizenship and the consequences of their actions. He described the environmental degradation from galamsey as an act of national self-destruction, with serious implications for future generations. He stressed that economic benefits from gold would be meaningless if natural resources are destroyed. Citizens must pursue economic opportunities responsibly, considering their environmental impact.