Samuel Abu Jinapor, a former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has proposed establishing an independent body to combat illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey. This new institution, backed by law, would enforce mining regulations and insulate enforcement from political considerations.
Mr. Jinapor stated that past governments have failed to make sufficient progress against galamsey. He believes a new institutional approach is necessary to tackle the persistent menace effectively. The proposed body would ensure that the enforcement of mining laws is not swayed by political interests, which he identified as a major constraint.
This proposal fits into Ghana's broader economic and political narrative concerning resource management. Illegal mining has severely impacted Ghana's environment, particularly its water bodies and forests, and has economic consequences through lost revenue and environmental degradation. The country's Energy Transition Framework also highlights the strategic importance of critical minerals like lithium and graphite, making effective mining governance crucial for industrialisation and value addition.
Mr. Jinapor made this suggestion in Accra at the launch of the Ghana component of the “Justice in Critical Minerals Governance and Energy Transition” project. He explicitly stated, “If I was to relive that life, I think I would have made a proposal to the government or the Cabinet that it’s about time that we set up an independent body…to be responsible for dealing with illegal small-scale mining.” This project, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), aims to improve how countries manage clean energy and critical mineral extraction fairly.
The establishment of such a body would mark a significant shift in Ghana's approach to mining enforcement. It could lead to more consistent application of laws and potentially reduce the environmental and social costs associated with galamsey. Decision-makers and the public will watch closely to see if this proposal gains traction and how it might be implemented. This move could also influence investor confidence in Ghana's mining sector, ensuring greater regulatory certainty.
Mr. Jinapor, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Damongo, emphasized that political considerations and a lack of courage have hindered past efforts. He cited Australia and Canada as examples where agencies responsible for enforcing relevant laws operate independently. This independence allows for more objective and rigorous enforcement, free from short-term political pressures.
The proposed institution would be created through an Act of Parliament or another appropriate legal framework. Its mandate would be clear: to enforce mining laws and regulations. While the government would retain authority over granting mining leases and licenses, the enforcement aspect would be delegated. This separation of powers aims to strengthen accountability and transparency within the sector.
Furthermore, Mr. Jinapor defended environmental activism, stating that citizens protecting water bodies should not be criminalised. He called for stronger enforcement across the entire extractive sector, holding both illegal operators and large-scale mining companies accountable. He also urged African resource-rich countries to develop a common approach to critical minerals governance to strengthen their bargaining position in global markets.
Dr. Clement Sefa-Nyarko of King’s College London, who leads the project, noted that the research would examine how cultural expressions and traditional knowledge can contribute to policy discussions on sustainable mining. Prof. Samuel Ntewusu, Director of the Institute of African Studies, stressed that critical minerals should drive Ghana’s industrialisation, not just raw material exports. He called for a governance framework balancing investment, economic growth, environmental protection, and community participation. The proposed independent body could be a key component in achieving these broader national objectives.