Anytime Gov’t use a military approach to deal with galamsey, it means they don’t want to solve it – Dr Simon Boateng
Lecturer at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Dr. Simon Boateng, has argued that the government’s frequent use of the military to combat illegal mining, popularly known as Galamsey, is a clear indication that it is not genuinely committed to solving the problem.
Speaking on Kessben FM, Dr. Boateng stated that past experiences have shown that deploying the military to mining sites has done little to end the practice. Instead, he said, such actions often serve as a cover-up for deeper issues within the system.
“Anytime government uses a military approach to deal with galamsey, it means it doesn’t want to solve it,” Dr. Boateng remarked. “The government machinery and the politicians control the military, so these operations usually end up protecting certain interests rather than addressing the root causes.”
Dr. Boateng emphasized that the fight against illegal mining requires transparency, strong institutional reforms, and political will rather than force.
He noted that lasting solutions must focus on enforcing mining laws fairly, providing sustainable livelihood alternatives for local miners, and eliminating political interference in the sector.
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