
Local Governance Expert, Ing. Amon Kotei, has called on the government to confront the ongoing galamsey (illegal mining) issues directly.
He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the newly constituted five-member ministerial committee set up by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to address illegal mining activities, which have become a significant concern across the country.
The committee, chaired by National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah, includes other ministers such as Samuel A. Jinapor (Lands and Natural Resources), Dominic Nitiwul (Defense), Ignatius Baffour Awuah (Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions), and Fatimatu Abubakar (Information). Kotei voiced his doubts about whether this committee would be able to effectively tackle the galamsey problem.
During an interview with Don Kwabena Prah Jnr on Hot FM’s Morning Drive, Kotei emphasized the need to ban the chemicals used by illegal miners from entering the country, highlighting that without such measures, efforts to combat illegal mining may be futile.
He expressed skepticism regarding the government’s commitment and ability to address the environmental and economic impacts of galamsey effectively.