OccupyGhana urges legal reforms to tackle landowners abetting illegal mining

OccupyGhana, a leading civil society organisation, has called for immediate amendments to Ghana’s mining laws to address the role of landowners in the illegal mining industry, widely known as galamsay.

The organisation’s statement, dated September 10, proposes criminalising landowners who lease their properties for illegal mining operations unless they can prove their land was seized by force, supported by a police report at the time of the incident.

According to OccupyGhana, landowners who allow their property to be used for galamsay should be considered accomplices to the crime. The group also called for the confiscation of such lands, suggesting they be reclaimed and used for agriculture or other productive purposes.

“Unless a landowner can prove that their land was forcibly taken, they should be seen as having abetted the offence by facilitating illegal mining. These lands should be confiscated as tainted property and then repurposed for public benefit, including reforestation, farming, or even regulated mining,” the statement read.

In addition to holding landowners accountable, the organisation renewed its call for the prosecution of individuals involved in illegal mining, particularly in protected areas.

They stressed that legal action against offenders would act as a deterrent and help restore public trust in the fight against galamsey.

OccupyGhana also criticised the government for its inaction, particularly in cases involving politically connected figures, urging that this issue be urgently addressed.

The proposal comes at a time when galamsey continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s environment, prompting widespread public concern and calls for stronger government action.