The Legal Green Association (LGA), a left-wing group of professional law students, has called on the Ghanaian government and stakeholders to explore sustainable alternatives in the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. In a position paper submitted ahead of planned civil society engagement, the Association argued that outright bans on community mining could deprive residents of mineral-rich lands of their economic rights, while other communities continue to benefit from natural resources such as fishing and salt mining.
The LGA cited provisions in the 1992 Constitution, emphasizing that minerals are vested in the President in trust for the people, and that the state has an obligation to safeguard the environment for posterity. However, it noted that successive administrations have struggled to balance the livelihoods of local communities with environmental protection.
“We are pleased to observe that government’s approach to addressing the impact of mining is to prioritise sustainable mining initiatives rather than prohibiting mining by communities and their residents,” the Association stated.
The Association proposed a campaign under the theme “Towards Sustainable Mining” to guide future policy direction and public engagement. It outlined several measures to support responsible mining, including the adoption of green mining technologies and practices. The LGA suggested that the government should champion environmentally friendly mining techniques to reduce energy consumption and minimize ecological damage, as seen in developed countries.
Recognizing the devastation of rivers by galamsey, the Association recommended investment in water purification dams along heavily affected rivers to support the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and restore ecosystems. It also advocated for a “Polluter and Producer Pay” principle, under which companies, individuals, or institutions engaged in mining are held financially responsible for environmental restoration. The LGA proposed a mandatory environmental levy on all mining operations, with proceeds directed into a Small-Scale Mining Fund (SSMF). This fund would finance land reclamation, reforestation, water purification projects, tax waivers and subsidies for eco-friendly operations, as well as recognition and incentives for sustainable mining practices.
The Association stressed that traditional leaders and local communities should be directly involved in monitoring and benefit-sharing. It called for the establishment of regional sustainable mining training centers nationwide to equip miners with green skills. The LGA proposed that community mining agreements (CMAs) should be mandatory for license approval, with explicit inclusion of women and youth in the process. It also suggested the introduction of a compulsory Green Mining Certificate to ensure compliance.
The LGA expressed support for ongoing government interventions but urged stronger monitoring tools, including annual environmental audits, GPS mapping, drone surveillance, and stricter enforcement of backfilling, revegetation, and land-use zoning requirements.
The Association emphasized that Ghana’s mineral future depends on striking a balance between economic needs and environmental stewardship. “Through enforcement, collaboration with stakeholders, promotion of economic alternatives, and environmental justice, Ghana can win this battle,” it stated.
The LGA pledged its readiness to collaborate with the government, civil society, academia, and traditional authorities in shaping policies that make sustainable mining “real and irreversible.” The statement was signed by its Leader, Festus Matey, and Head of Politics and Elections Affairs, Evans Mawunyo Tsikata.
This call for sustainable alternatives in the fight against galamsey highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers both economic rights and environmental protection. The proposed measures, if implemented, could significantly shape the development of the mining sector in Ghana, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive industry. The emphasis on green technologies, community involvement, and environmental justice could set a precedent for other resource-rich countries grappling with similar challenges. The LGA’s position underscores the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions in addressing the complex issue of illegal mining.