Former Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Dr. Tony Aubynn, has urged Ghana's leadership to take decisive action to end the illegal mining popularly known as galamsey in the country.

According to him, the ongoing failure to address the issue is due to a lack of firm leadership.

In an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on September 10, Dr. Aubynn stated that just as the government implemented strict measures during the COVID-19 pandemic with a lockdown, a similar approach is needed to combat the galamsey menace.

He stressed the need for stronger enforcement, with leaders, ministers, and other government officials taking an active role in addressing the issue.

Read also: Galamsey: Ghana on the brink of severe water crisis – GWCL warns

“We are doing everything wrong. We’ve not had leadership to address the challenges. The state of illegal mining and its devastating impact has gone beyond small institutions like the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency. There is a need for actual leadership,” Dr. Aubynn said.

• Read also: UTAG threatens strike over illegal mining by end of September

He noted that while galamsey has been a long-standing issue, leadership is essential in stopping it, particularly given the ongoing destruction of water bodies, forests, and natural resources.

His remarks follow calls from civil society organizations, the Ghana Medical Association, and the University Teachers Association of Ghana for the government to declare a state of emergency on water bodies and ban galamsey due to the destruction caused.

Dr. Aubynn also highlighted that greed is a major driver behind illegal mining.

“Those involved in cocaine and drug-related activities know it’s bad for humanity, but because there is money, greed drives them. It’s up to leadership to muster the necessary force to stop it. We haven’t done well in that area,” he concluded.