Using Force to Fight Illegal Mining Doesn’t Work – Anthony Aubynn

In the ongoing struggle against illegal mining in Ghana, popularly known as "galamsey," a leading voice has emphasized that relying on brute force to address the issue is counterproductive. Dr. Anthony Aubynn, a respected mining expert and former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has cautioned against the use of military interventions as the primary strategy to combat the menace.

Speaking at a recent forum on sustainable mining practices in Accra, Dr. Aubynn stated that the root causes of illegal mining are deeply entrenched in socioeconomic and governance issues, which require a comprehensive and collaborative approach to resolve. “The deployment of soldiers to galamsey sites may bring temporary relief, but it is not a sustainable solution,” he remarked.

Dr. Aubynn further explained that illegal mining thrives on a complex network of poverty, unemployment, and the lack of alternative livelihoods in mining communities. “We cannot win the fight against galamsey by only addressing the symptoms. We need to address the systemic issues that drive people to engage in this dangerous and illegal activity,” he said.

The Limitations of Militarization

The government’s frequent use of military personnel to clamp down on illegal mining activities has often led to accusations of human rights abuses and collateral damage. Communities have reported the destruction of legitimate businesses and the brutal treatment of locals during such operations. Despite these efforts, galamsey continues to flourish in various parts of the country, raising questions about the efficacy of the strategy.