The missing link in the galamsey war equation
There is a question that has been agitating my mind for some time. Perhaps it’s a naïve one, but I will pose it just the same: why are they not being exposed, those at the other end of the galamsey scourge, the dealers who buy the gold for which the illegal miners risk so much?
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Again, who are the people, or agencies, behind the scenes who evidently guarantee a ready market for those with illegal gold to sell? Surely, that must be the reason they appear to be in the grip of gold fever, determined to continue, no matter the danger to themselves and the communities?
Little wonder the meaning of ‘galamsey’, or illegal small-scale mining, is said to be a corruption of the expression ‘gather them and sell’.
On March 29 Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Amewu, gave galamseyers three weeks to wind up their activities after which anyone caught in that activity would face strong sanction.
Notably, Mr Amewu added: “This time round, we will not take things lightly because we believe that China and India are the sources of funding for these illegal miners, so we are dealing with the root cause of the menace,” (Daily Graphic).
Furthermore: “We are going all out to ensure that all culprits, including chiefs, religious leaders and political figures, are held in check to stop the practice,” he said.
As has been well amplified by campaigners and successive governments, the irresponsible methods of the illegal miners has led to widespread pollution of river bodies in Ghana and, reportedly, even in neighbouring countries, as well as degradation of lands.
The environmental degradation includes loss of farm lands and hence reduction of capacity in cocoa and food crops production.
Yet another, equally disturbing dimension was highlighted in an article in the Ghanaian Times a couple of days ago. Under the headline, ‘Galamsey Fight: Indirect but effective action against child labour?’ the Social Mobilization Partners Against Child Labour Network wrote in the July 18 issue: “Illegal mining has consigned many children to child labour. Children in galamsey engage in activities such as carrying heavy bags of gold ore from mining to processing sites ….
“The children are involved in crushing the ore into fine powder with great exposure to inhaling much of the dust emanating from the (crushing) process.
“This … pre-disposes them to health injuries including fibrosis and allergic reactions in the lungs and the possibility of certain types of cancer … Moreover, child labour prevents children from gaining quality education because they do not attend school regularly or do not have enough time and interest to study well.”
Although Mr Amewu’s ultimatum was greatly applauded, President Nana Akufo-Addo’s position was even more dramatic. On July 10, when he met traditional rulers in Accra, he declared his determination to win the war against galamsey, even if it costs him a second term in office.
On Tuesday this week, in his first dialogue with selected media, the President reiterated his vow about the war on galamsey.
However, it seems that those in the grip of the galamsey fever are deaf to all warnings. In spite of Mr Amewu’s ultimatum, earlier this month it emerged that a group of galamseyers had gone on a mining expedition at Nsuta, near Prestea, Western Region, but the pit had caved in.
Only five managed to escape. Tragically 22 of them were presumed buried alive after rescue efforts had to be stopped.
If there were no buyers of the ‘contraband’ gold, would so many be attracted into the perilous undertaking and despite the destruction of the environment and communities being deprived of even water to drink?
A statement issued by the Minerals Commission in 2015 provides insights into the gold industry: “In Ghana there are two classes of gold mining licences, i.e. large-scale gold mining leases and small-scale mining licences.
“In the case of large-scale gold mining companies, gold sales have either been by the spot price at the London Metal Exchange or by other Marketing Agreements with overseas refineries with the approval of Government. Thus such companies do not sell their gold locally.
“In the case of small-scale, the licences enjoin them to sell gold produced from their operations to Precious Minerals Marketing Company or other gold buyers licensed by the Government. Thus, gold produced by small-scale miners (is what is) sold locally and purchased by licenced gold dealers mainly for export or limited refining by small-scale refineries. Exports of gold are regulated by the Bank of Ghana, Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division) and the Minerals Commission ….
“The grant of licence to deal in gold is not discriminatory between nationality, race, tribe or colour. The applicant must meet certain technical and financial conditions without which the Minister may not grant the licence.”
Currently, 20 gold exporters have been granted licence: Ghanaians – 11, representing 55 per cent; Indians – 5, representing 25 per cent; and German – 1; Australian – 1; and Lebanese – 2, representing 20 per cent, the Commission said.
The Commission’s statement may be two years old, but it is still useful. So, is there a link between the galamseyers and those who can legally buy gold locally?
Hence another question: why not also deal with the clients of the galamseyers?
Surely, the industry knows them and the Government must know them, especially as Mr Amewu mentioned China and India as apparently sources of some of the funding of illegal gold mining. But why is it that we only ever hear of the galamseyers, but never do we hear of measures against the destination of their gold?
By contrast, are receivers of stolen goods not as liable for arrest and prosecution as the thieves?
And regarding other illegal activities, such as bribery and prostitution, both ends face penalties. With bribery both the giver and the taker are liable for prosecution in court; just as prostitutes and their clients are.
It may be a complex web, but why is there this inexplicable silence about simultaneous sanctions and action against those who buy the gold illegally acquired?
If it means ‘naming and shaming’ the buyers as part of decisive strategies to stop galamsey, why not?