Ghana lacks proper structure to win galamsey fight – Security Consultant

Security Consultant, Richard Kumadoe, has cautioned that Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, will remain ineffective unless the country establishes a clear and well-coordinated structure to address the menace.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Mr. Kumadoe argued that political and business interests continue to overshadow the national security dimension of the crisis, leaving the state’s response fragmented and weak.

He further explained that a consistent and structured system is required not only to halt illegal mining but also to restore degraded lands and forest reserves.

“I do not think we are really structured in the fight to win the war against the persons involved in galamsey.

“If we had a structure that helps us to retrieve the forest, which was predominantly occupied by galamseyers, and pursued it consistently, it would have helped us largely in many of the areas where we have galamsey going on.” He said.

He also warned that unless urgent steps are taken to strengthen Ghana’s institutional response, the nation risks witnessing more tragedies like the August 6 incident, where illegal mining activities led to yet another national disaster.

The security consultant stressed that galamsey should be approached as a matter of national security rather than partisan or business-driven interest, urging government and stakeholders to act decisively in building a sustainable system to protect the country’s natural resources.

Source: Elvisanokyenews.net