The Frimpong-Manso Institute (FMI) is calling for urgent and coordinated action to end what it describes as persistent impunity surrounding illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.
FMI warns that continued environmental destruction is threatening water security, public health and livelihoods.
In a press statement, the Institute expressed alarm that illegal mining activities continue to devastate rivers, farmlands and forest reserves, particularly in hotspot areas across the Ashanti and Western Regions. It cited community testimony and public reports pointing to a recurring “raid-return” cycle, where operators resume activities shortly after enforcement actions, often more organised than before.
According to FMI, enforcement efforts without integrity reforms merely reset the cycle. The Institute raised concerns about alleged bribery and protection rackets that enable illicit machinery, fuel supply and illegal gold trading networks to continue operating.
“Communities cannot drink gold. Ghana must not normalise environmental crime while communities pay the price through unsafe water, damaged livelihoods and weakened trust in institutions,” the statement said.
FMI is demanding visible prosecutions, consistent sanctions and the dismantling of networks that profit from environmental destruction. It also highlighted weaknesses in the Community Mining Programme, which was designed to formalise small-scale mining and reduce illegal operations. The Institute noted that implementation of the programme has been uneven and weakened by governance and capacity gaps.
FMI’s Position
The Institute outlined four key principles:
Rivers and forest reserves are non-negotiable, and water security and public health must not be sacrificed for short-term gains.
Integrity must underpin enforcement, with protection networks and negotiated enforcement practices brought to an end.
Communities must be protected through safe reporting mechanisms, without vigilantism or retaliation.
Young people need credible, lawful alternatives that can compete with illegal mining activities.
Proposed Coordinated Compact
FMI is proposing a multi-pronged strategy to address systemic drivers of illegal mining and accelerate environmental restoration in affected areas.
The proposals include:
An “Integrity Firewall” to ensure credible investigations and transparent reporting of outcomes.
Community stewardship initiatives focused on lawful, non-violent early warning systems, safe reporting and sustained public education.
Youth exit pathways through green skills training and employment in land reclamation, agroforestry and sustainable agriculture.
Emergency action on water and public health, including routine monitoring and public reporting, alongside intensified health education.
Swift justice and supply-chain disruption through faster prosecutions, asset forfeiture and targeting of machinery, fuel sources and illicit gold markets.
Immediate Actions Urged
FMI is urging government and security agencies to sustain enforcement with integrity safeguards and publish visible legal outcomes. It also called on the judiciary to prioritise environmental crime cases and apply consistent deterrent sanctions.
Traditional authorities were further urged to enforce community prohibitions and reject benefits linked to illegal mining activities.
The statement, signed by Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, President of FMI, and Dr. George Manful, FMI Thematic Chair for Environment and Sustainability, reiterated that Ghana’s natural heritage must be protected.
“Impunity must end, and the networks enabling environmental destruction must be exposed, prosecuted and dismantled,” the Institute stressed.
FMI indicated its readiness to participate in interviews, panel discussions and newsroom briefings on the issue.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com
