Galamsey: Arrest of 26 Operators at Samreboi sparks new Debate on Effectiveness of Anti-Illegal Mining Efforts

The recent arrest of 26 individuals for engaging in illegal mining activities near Samreboi in the Western Region has reignited national conversation about Ghana’s ongoing struggle against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Commenting on the development during an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, April 18, Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), expressed strong doubts about the current strategies being employed in the fight against the menace.

“To be honest, Ghana’s environment is collapsing,” Prof Boadi said. “Until the powerful individuals and kingpins behind these operations are prosecuted and held accountable, this so-called fight is nothing but a staged drama.”

His comments followed a detailed report on a major police operation that led to the arrest of the 26 illegal miners who were operating within a forest reserve near Samreboi. The operation forms part of a broader crackdown by the Ghana Police Service aimed at curbing illegal mining, which has been blamed for extensive environmental destruction, including deforestation and the pollution of water bodies.

Prof Boadi stressed the urgent need for a more holistic and strategic approach to tackling the issue, one that targets not only the foot soldiers but also the masterminds and influential figures who profit from illegal mining activities.

He warned that unless the true beneficiaries are brought to book, efforts to combat galamsey will continue to yield little to no results.