The galamsey crisis in Ghana is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes, according to Dr. John Kpikpi, the 2024 presidential candidate of the Progressive Alliance of Ghana (PAG). He attributes the problem to decades of exclusion and poor resource stewardship, which has led to widespread frustration and economic desperation among local communities.
The Root Cause: Exclusion and Frustration
Dr. Kpikpi explains that galamsey didn’t start as a destructive activity, but rather as a survival response by Ghanaians who felt cut off from the resources beneath their own lands. Communities like Obuasi have long felt alienated from the wealth generated by multinational companies, leading to a sense of frustration and exclusion.
The Solution: Restructuring Resource Ownership
Dr. Kpikpi advocates for a fundamental restructuring of resource ownership to ensure that ordinary Ghanaians directly benefit from national mineral wealth. He suggests extending the Gold Board (Goldbod) model to other mineral resources, which has shown success in improving revenue flow and stabilizing the cedi-dollar relationship.
Key Benefits of the Goldbod Model
– Increased National Wealth: By taking direct responsibility for managing natural resources, Ghana can maximize national wealth and reduce economic motivations for illegal mining.
– Fairness and Equity: The Goldbod model promotes fairness and equity by ensuring that local communities benefit from the resources extracted from their lands.
– Environmental Sustainability: By regulating and managing mining activities, Ghana can reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainable development.
Dr. Kpikpi emphasizes that punitive measures and military interventions alone will not succeed in addressing the galamsey crisis. Instead, a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying inequities and promotes sustainable development is needed.
