The best way to fight “Galamsey” is to streamline it to be sustainable mining – Odotobri MP, Hon Anthony Mmieh tells Gov’t 

Hon. Anthony Mmieh, the Member of Parliament for Odotobri, has made a compelling call for a shift in Ghana’s approach to the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as Galamsey. According to the MP, the long-standing attempt to eradicate galamsey through bans and crackdowns has yielded limited results. Instead, he suggests a more pragmatic and productive solution:

Hon. Mmieh’s comments challenge the conventional strategy that has dominated Ghana’s anti-galamsey efforts for years, the view that the practice must be stopped entirely. While acknowledging the environmental destruction and lawlessness that come with unregulated mining, he emphasized the need for a shift in focus from criminalization to proper regulation

The Odotobri MP pointed out that beyond environmental concerns, illegal mining is also an economic issue, one that affects unemployment and revenue generation. He believes that with proper structures, the government can turn this challenge into an opportunity.

“If we streamline it well, the government can collect the necessary taxes and royalties. It becomes a win-win: the youth are employed, and the state benefits economically” Hon. Mmieh explained.

This position is rooted in the reality that thousands of young Ghanaians turn to galamsey out of necessity, not rebellion. For many, it is the only viable source of income in areas where formal employment is scarce. By offering a legal pathway into the mining industry, Hon. Mmieh believes the government can harness this energy in a way that benefits both the economy and the environment.

The MP also cautioned against relying solely on military and security interventions to solve the galamsey issue. While he acknowledged the need for law enforcement, he argued that force alone cannot resolve what is fundamentally a socio-economic problem.

“The youth are not the enemy. They want to work. Let’s give them a structured environment to do so,” he added.

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