Former Minister for Local Government and Mines and Energy, Hon. Kwadwo Adjei Darko, has urged the government to strictly enforce Ghana’s immigration laws as a key strategy in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking in a phone interview on Hot FM’s Morning Drive with Don Kwabena Prah on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the former Sunyani West MP under President John Agyekum Kufuor emphasised that a significant proportion of illegal miners in Ghana are foreign nationals.
“On a scale of 100, more than 50% of people involved in galamsey are not Ghanaians,” he stated. “These are not only Chinese, but also nationals from Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ivory Coast, and even Guinea.”
Hon. Adjei Darko explained that the over-politicisation of issues surrounding illegal mining has created an environment where foreign nationals feel emboldened to flout the law.
He stressed that strict enforcement of immigration regulations would deter illegal foreign miners and reduce environmental degradation caused by galamsey.
He also warned government officials against complicity in illegal mining activities, urging leaders to lead by example. “If the leaders refuse to comply with the laws, the youth will follow suit,” he said. “Leadership by example is important.”
Drawing comparisons to other African countries, the former minister noted that it is nearly impossible for foreigners to engage in illegal mining in places like Burkina Faso or Ivory Coast without facing serious consequences. “But in Ghana, it is Ghanaians who help these foreigners acquire licences and support them in their illegal operations,” he lamented.
Hon. Adjei Darko further called on traditional rulers and local citizens to report suspicious foreign nationals at mining sites to the police. “We all have a role to play in protecting our lands and water bodies,” he added.
He concluded by reiterating his belief that rigorous enforcement of immigration laws would significantly curb the menace of illegal mining and its harmful effects on the environment and society.
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