Government shifts strategy to focus on masterminds rather than desperate youth caught in illegal mining operations

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a fundamental shift in Ghana’s approach to combating illegal mining, emphasizing the need to target the masterminds behind these operations rather than the young people who are often arrested at mining sites.

Speaking during an engagement with Civil Society Organizations at the Jubilee House today, President Mahama questioned the effectiveness of current enforcement strategies that have resulted in the arrest of 1,400 individuals, most of whom are young people seeking economic survival.

“What are we doing to the kingpins? Because most of those 1400, who have been arrested are young, youth who are looking for something to be able to look after themselves,” the President stated. “Those who run those operations are the ones that we must be arresting and imprisoning, not these little boys.”

The President highlighted the harsh reality facing young offenders under current sentencing guidelines, noting that prison terms range from 5 to 15 years. He questioned whether such severe punishment serves justice when applied to vulnerable youth.

“When you sentence somebody to 15 years in prison, by the time he comes out, his life is destroyed. So maybe we need to look at leaner sentences or slap on the wrist for these young people, but those who are running the operations, those are the ones that we must deal with,” President Mahama emphasized.

The President’s remarks signal a more nuanced approach to illegal mining enforcement that recognizes the socio-economic factors driving young people into these activities. Rather than treating all participants equally, the new strategy aims to disrupt criminal networks by focusing on their leadership structures.

This targeted approach forms part of a broader anti-illegal mining strategy that President Mahama has been developing since taking office. The comprehensive plan includes sustained military deployment, technological solutions, and cooperative mining initiatives with legitimate companies.

Providing historical context, President Mahama noted that mining has been integral to Ghana’s economy since colonial times. “Mining in Ghana has been historical, and when the first Portuguese arrived in Elmina, one of the first things we sold to them was gold, and that’s why they built a fort in Elmina. Our grandfathers were involved in mining,” he explained.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to winning the fight against illegal mining while acknowledging the need for substantial.