In one of my publications on the HTG matter, I itemized four key drivers to the worsening HTG situation and suggested eight solutions to handle this hydra-headed socio-ecological issue (see Modern Ghana, December 10, 2023).

The menace of the prevailing High-Tech Galamsey (HTG) operations, which has worsened under the outgoing Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led regime without visible political will to fight it, can only be halted by the incoming Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang-led government if two things are involved.

The apparent negligence, complicity, and lack of political will on the part of the outgoing Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led regime to tackle this hydra-headed socio-ecological problem is the bane of the worsening HTG situation we have on our hands now.

I am one of those who would bet my last penny on President Mahama to better address the prevailing HTG menace based on his track record, unlike the outgoing Akufo-Addo, who put his expiring presidency on the line with no concrete results to show for it. Now, President Mahama is back at the Flagstaff House, and he can halt the HTG menace and even change the narrative for good.

I am almost certain the next Mahama/NDC regime will face highly difficult ‘headwinds’ that will thwart genuine efforts to fight this huge socio-ecological problem without the use of (1) a Stepwise Approach and (2) Political Will.

1. Stepwise Approach

Considering the current aggravated nature of HTG operations, which devastated our water bodies and forest reserves in mining areas under President Akufo-Addo, the business-as-usual (BAU) approach cannot be used to contain it.

We need a simple stepwise approach to deal with this serious environmental problem, which has the potential to threaten the very foundation of our nation if serious actions are not taken to halt and restore polluted lands and water bodies as soon as possible.

As a matter of necessity, the incoming government led by President Mahama and Opoku-Agyemang should take the first step to put in place a state of emergency on the HTG operations and any form of small-scale mining practices.

The declaration of a state of emergency on HTG operations should be immediately followed by a temporary ban on HTG operations and any form of small-scale mining in affected mining communities for 6-12 months, as the second step.

Thirdly, the incoming President Mahama should institute a rapid Police-Military-Civilian HTG Team to ensure that steps 1 and 2 are enforced. This tripartite team will be more effective than only the Military/Police Team in terms of implementing measures to halt this menace once and for all.

Fourthly, there should be a ‘National Dialogue on HTG & SSM’ to deeply discuss, as a nation, how we can all help to stop this dangerous HTG phenomenon before it consumes all of us.

Lastly, an Investigation Team (IT) for HTG should be made up of researchers, security personnel, environmental lawyers, representatives of traditional leaders including farmers, government officials, etc., to produce a comprehensive report on the extent of damage caused to the environment, identification of culprits or polluters, estimates of the financial burden on the state to restore polluted rivers and forest reserves, and recommendations for possible prosecution, sustainable mining practices, etc.

This stepwise approach will allow for a proper assessment of the irresponsible mining practices going on, the application of the Polluter Pays Principle after identifying polluters, and the provision of a roadmap to sustainably deal with the SSM practices in the country.

2. Political Will

This 5-step approach to dealing with the prevailing HTG phenomenon can only succeed with committed political will to directly confront it. The Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led regime woefully failed to fight this menace due to an apparent lack of political will. The ‘Presidential Galamseyers,’ as revealed by the former Minister, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, coupled with insincerity and complicity on the part of Akufo-Addo’s government, paralyzed the fight against raging HTG operations.

In contrast, President Mahama has shown strong political will to tackle the HTG menace and needs to be highly committed to fighting this menace on the ground to achieve the needed results.

Conclusion

Any haphazard or BAU approach to containing this HTG menace will not work for the incoming Mahama-led regime and the nation as a whole. President Mahama should be very firm in his actions to ensure that a stepwise approach is used, backed by strong political will.

It appears that we are aware of the solutions to dealing with irresponsible SSM practices in the country. However, we lack a systematic approach, durable commitment, and political will to confront Galamsey/HTG practices and sufficiently deal with the explanatory variables affecting the mining sector in the country.

The Mahama-led government is the best bet to confront and deal with this HTG matter in a sustainable and inclusive manner for the good of the country. All hands must be on deck to help find lasting solutions to this potentially dangerous HTG problem facing the nation.

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