A senior lecturer at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Dr Ishmael Quaicoe, believes that Ghana can win the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) if the right measures are implemented.

He noted that the challenges are complex, and one single approach will not be sufficient to combat the menace.

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“We also need community commitment. The challenges we are facing now - people are saying political and stuff but I will look at it from a perspective that Ghanaians are not being citizens again, we are being spectators,” he said on Newfile on Saturday, September 7.

Dr Quaicoe emphasised it is the community's assignment to stop miners from operating within local communities and on river bodies, and not the president’s job to personally stop them.

“We have traditional leaders, we have community members - it is our responsibility to ensure that our natural resources are protected,” he said

Dr Quaicoe further stressed that until every Ghanaian takes an active role in protecting the country's natural resources, policies alone will not solve the issue.

He noted that when citizens unite in their commitment and determination, illegal mining activities in communities can be eradicated.