Galamsey: Chamber of Mines Warns of Investor Withdrawal Over Environmental Concerns
Sulemanu Koney, Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has asserted that the solutions to the country’s persistent illegal mining crisis, known locally as galamsey, are within reach but require stronger political commitment and long-term effort.
Speaking on PM Express Business Edition, Mr. Koney outlined a clear framework for addressing illegal mining, which has caused significant environmental degradation and tarnished Ghana’s international reputation. He called for a more nuanced approach to regulation, advocating for the segmentation of the mining sector to tailor solutions to the specific challenges faced by small-scale and large-scale operators.
“As a student of marketing, I believe in segmentation. You have a problem, you segment the problem,” Mr. Koney said. He urged policymakers to support small-scale miners through robust regulation and technical assistance, which he identified as key to curbing illegal mining activities that often arise from inadequate expertise.
Mr. Koney also stressed the importance of proper oversight, calling for the Minerals Commission to designate technical experts to ensure regulatory compliance within small-scale mining operations. He further emphasised that accountability at every level is essential if the country is to succeed in its efforts.
Looking ahead, Mr. Koney remains optimistic, insisting that the solutions to illegal mining are within reach, provided the government and stakeholders—including traditional leaders and private sector figures—commit to addressing the problem.
“If we mean well as a state, we can handle this. The solutions are very close to us,” he remarked, while warning that failure to act decisively could deter environmentally conscious international investors from funding large-scale mining projects in Ghana.
“We need to show seriousness about sustainability,” Mr. Koney cautioned, noting that investor confidence may erode if Ghana fails to implement more stringent environmental safeguards.
He called for a more holistic approach, including efforts to raise indigenous capital for small-scale mining through exploration and investment, as part of a broader strategy to enforce effective regulation and sustainable practices.
