The Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF) says the time has come for Ghana to adopt tougher and uncompromising measures in its fight against illegal mining, insisting that the practice of burning excavators must be reinstated.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the Institute’s National Treasurer, Vincent Kusi Kyei, said the country’s current “soft approach” has emboldened galamsey operators while worsening the destruction of forests and water bodies.
According to him, the state’s inability to properly track or regulate the influx of heavy machinery—especially excavators—has made illegal mining easier instead of preventing it.
“Why should we allow the excavators to get to Ghana before we start tracking them?” he questioned, adding that if the machines were genuinely meant for legitimate work, there would be visible improvement in sectors that need them most.
“Roads across the country are in terrible shape, so why aren’t these excavators working on road projects?” he asked.
Mr. Kyei argued that the most effective way to cripple galamsey operations is to destroy the very machines that make them profitable.
“We must burn the excavators. Illegal mining is a business, and when you destroy the machines, you destroy the incentive,” he said.
He added that the remains of the burnt equipment should be repurposed locally. “After burning them, we can use the metal for iron rods or other materials,” he suggested.
The GIF executive lamented weaknesses in enforcement, noting that the state still allows machinery importation without strict verification—and only begins monitoring after the machines find their way onto illegal mining sites.
He also claimed that even some security personnel privately admit stronger action is needed. “Some soldiers told me it is time they are allowed to exert their powers. I think they are right. We keep making excuses.”
Mr. Kyei further criticised the lack of political will, pointing out how quickly lawmakers act when their own benefits are involved.
“In Parliament, if MPs want ex gratia or salary increases, it takes less than a week. But this galamsey issue, which threatens our very existence, cannot be addressed decisively?” he said.
He warned that if Ghana fails to adopt bolder measures—such as reviving the burning of excavators—the nation risks losing its rivers, forests, and the environmental foundation of its future.