Dr. Eric Bempong, a lecturer at KAAF University, has criticised the government’s handling of the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing the efforts as half-hearted and riddled with inefficiencies.
Speaking during a panel discussion on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, Dr. Bempong expressed deep concern about the commitment of individuals deployed to combat the menace, questioning their commitment and integrity.
“We don’t have people who are genuinely committed to fighting galamsey,” he said. “Some time ago, I knew military officers who didn’t want to serve as UN peacekeepers but preferred to join the galamsey task force. That alone should tell you the motivation behind their interest—it’s not national service but personal gain.”
His comments come amid growing accusations from small-scale miners, who claim that some members of the anti-galamsey task force have been extorting money from them at mining sites.
Dr. Bempong further criticised the recent launch of the Blue Water Guards, a government-backed initiative meant to reinforce the fight against illegal mining, particularly in water bodies.
“If we are truly serious about fighting galamsey, we need committed and disciplined personnel—not this Blue Water Guards setup. You’re telling someone who is hungry to stand in front of an opportunity to make money and expect them not to be compromised. Economically, it doesn’t make sense. It’s a waste of public funds,” he argued.
Despite numerous policy announcements, task force deployments, and public declarations of a “war” on galamsey, critics like Dr. Bempong believe that without genuine commitment, transparency, and accountability, the fight remains a losing battle.
Source: oyerepafmonline.com
