President John Dramani Mahama is set to convene a crucial meeting with prominent civil society organizations (CSOs) and stakeholders today to brainstorm sustainable solutions to the devastating impact of illegal mining locally known galamsey in Ghana.
The gathering will feature influential groups such as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ghana, Christian Council of Ghana, and Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, among others.
According to Presidential Aide, Dr. Sammy Ayeh, the government views the fight against galamsey as a collective responsibility, emphasizing the need for broader collaboration with faith-based and civil society organizations.
“The purpose of the meeting is for the government to receive feedback, strategies, and suggestions from these organisations and institutions to complement the efforts already in place to end galamsey,” Dr. Ayeh explained.
He highlighted significant milestones achieved by the government since its inception, including operational and legislative measures to repeal LI 2462, a contentious law.
“The government believes that the fight against galamsey is a collective one,” Dr. Ayeh stressed.
The initiative has garnered mixed reactions, with some welcoming it as a constructive step and others expressing skepticism. The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, praised the initiative, describing it as “a step in the right direction.” Conversely, Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, criticized the government’s reliance on dialogue, questioning its effectiveness.
