The Deputy European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Jonas Claes, has stated that illegal mining, known as galamsey, is a significant challenge facing Ghana, posing severe environmental, economic, and social threats. He made this statement at the launch of the Gold for Good baseline studies. According to Claes, the EU has taken a keen interest in supporting Ghana's efforts to combat galamsey, which has far-reaching consequences for the country's development.
Claes commended the Ghanaian government for taking crucial steps to address the issue, including the revocation of the Legislative Instrument that facilitated mining in forest reserves and the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). He emphasized that progress in curbing galamsey activity will be evaluated based on the quality of Ghana's water bodies and food produce. The EU's engagement in the fight against galamsey is a significant shift from its previous stance.
The EU had previously avoided engaging with the issue of galamsey due to its complexity and perceived political risk. However, Claes revealed that the EU has since changed its position, recognizing that illegal mining directly undermines EU interests and the EU-Ghana Partnership. The EU's programming funds towards sustainable agriculture, water sanitation, security, and forestation are gravely affected by galamsey practices.
To support Ghana's efforts, the EU has launched the EUR 3 million Gold for Good project, implemented by Coginta. This project aims to contribute to building a lawful, environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically beneficial mining sector. The EU has also doubled its efforts by training military and civilian personnel and strengthening the capacities of key stakeholders to carry out legal mining operations.
The EU's support for Ghana's fight against galamsey extends beyond the Gold for Good project. Recently, the European Union Security and Defense Initiative provided support aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Ghanaian military personnel involved in support of NAIMOS and the fight against illegal mining. This support demonstrates the EU's commitment to partnering with Ghana to mitigate the challenge of galamsey.
Claes emphasized that the objective of Gold for Good is not to stop gold mining but to promote responsible mining practices. The project seeks to contribute to building a mining sector that benefits local communities and supports Ghana's sustainable development. The EU's engagement in the fight against galamsey reflects its recognition of the issue's impact on EU-Ghana relations.
The EU's support for Ghana's efforts to combat galamsey is a significant development in the country's fight against illegal mining. With the EU's backing, Ghana can strengthen its capacity to address the environmental, economic, and social impacts of galamsey. The success of the Gold for Good project and other EU initiatives will be crucial in evaluating progress in curbing galamsey activity and promoting responsible mining practices in Ghana.
Key points
- The EU has pledged EUR 3 million to support Ghana's fight against galamsey through the Gold for Good project.
- The EU has doubled its efforts to support Ghana's fight against galamsey by training military and civilian personnel.
- The EU's objective is to promote responsible mining practices, not to stop gold mining entirely.
