Environment, Science and Technology Minister-designate, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has identified effective coordination as crucial for tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in Ghana. This direct statement came during her vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27.
She stressed that the fight against illegal mining requires a coordinated approach involving all responsible institutions and partners. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings believes that effective collaboration between ministries, departments, and agencies is the easiest way to address the problem. This strategy aims to prevent different government bodies from working in isolation, ensuring a unified front against galamsey.
Illegal mining has severely damaged Ghana's environment, polluting water bodies and degrading vast tracts of land. The economic impact includes lost revenue, increased healthcare costs from contaminated water, and reduced agricultural productivity. Previous efforts to curb galamsey have often faced challenges due to fragmented approaches and a lack of sustained inter-agency cooperation. The Minister-designate's emphasis on coordination reflects a recognition of these past difficulties.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings stated, "I do believe that the easiest way to address it (Galamsey) is to have effective coordination between the ministries, departments and the agencies." She added that regular reporting improves transparency and helps track the impact of interventions. This highlights the need for accountability and data-driven decision-making in the fight against illegal mining.
If approved, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings plans to prioritize engagements with relevant stakeholders immediately. She intends to meet with ministers from various ministries involved in the galamsey fight, including those responsible for land and local government. This proactive step aims to avoid a "silo effect," where different departments work independently without sharing information or resources. The success of this coordinated approach will be critical for protecting Ghana's natural resources and ensuring sustainable economic development. Decision-makers will closely watch the implementation of these collaborative strategies.