Stamping out illegal mining
The President has directed all metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) to take immediate steps to stamp out illegal mining activities in their areas of jurisdiction.
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He also directed that those engaged in the practice should be arrested and prosecuted, in accordance with the law.
The President also cautioned that small-scale mining was the preserve of Ghanaians and that foreigners should be reminded that they were not allowed to carry out small-scale mining in the country.
These directives by the President fall in line with the Daily Graphic’s position on how best to enforce compliance with regulations to achieve change for the better.
We are unrepentant in our crusade against impunity in society, especially with the apparent acquiecence of the law enforcement agencies.
The effect of this impunity on national endeavours is indiscipline on the roads, in the offices, communities, schools and homes.
We think that the havoc being wreaked on society by our inaction to enforce the law should at least serve as a wake-up call on the authorities to reverse the trend.
Human beings always find the excuse to break the laws or regulations put in place to order our behaviour and that is why the law enforcement agencies must be firm, resolute and fair but not high-handed.
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The activities of illegal miners have caused pain in many communities, including the loss of lives. But, quite sadly, we are unable to take action to clamp down on these law breakers.
We think the latest directive from the President will make little impact because the MMDCEs will find it difficult to police areas under their jurisdiction without the support of the traditional law enforcement agencies.
These law enforcement agencies are already complaining about inadequate personnel and logistics to be able to protect the natural resources of the country.
Not too long ago, the police arrested a number of Chinese for engaging in illegal mining but the actions of the police caused some furore in diplomatic circles because of the growing ties between Ghana and China.
The Daily Graphic urges the Chinese government, through its diplomatic mission in Accra, to impress upon its nationals to respect the laws of Ghana.
We acknowledge that there are many Chinese who are contributing towards the growth of Ghana’s economy, but the few bad lots should remember that it takes one bad nut to destroy an otherwise good flavour.
The Daily Graphic thinks the effectiveness of the President’s directive on illegal mining will bite only if the culprits are dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others because example is better than precept.
Perhaps now that the MMDCEs know that their actions on this matter will serve as a benchmark for reviewing their performance, they will do as the President has directed.
We ask the MMDCEs to take a cue from 1 Timothy Chapter 20 — “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.”
Illegal mining activities are taking a toll on national development effort, such as the degradation of the environment and pollution of our water bodies.
We need decisive action now to stop the activities of galamsey operators and foreigners engaged in illegal businesses.
