The Association of Professional Development Communicators-Ghana (APDC-Ghana) has called on the government to conduct research in illegal mining areas by engaging the youth to address the worsening illegal mining situation, commonly known as galamsey.
In a press release issued on October 11, the organization outlined the urgent need for research-driven and sustainable solutions to combat the environmental destruction and socio-economic challenges posed by illegal mining.
The Association also wants the government to implement an immediate halt to all small-scale mining activities in water bodies and forest reserves. "Implementing an immediate halt to all small-scale mining activities will allow for the identification and proper assessment of all mining sites," APDC-Ghana noted in the statement.
APDC-Ghana expressed concerns over the failure of past government-led anti-galamsey campaigns, such as temporary bans, Operation Vanguard and Operation Halt, arrests and seizures of mining equipment, and drone monitoring.