Legal practitioner and Convention People’s Party (CPP) member Kwame Jantuah has called for a temporary ban on small-scale mining as part of measures to address the worsening impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s water bodies.
Mr Jantuah said a two- to three-year suspension of small-scale mining would give authorities the opportunity to restructure the sector, enforce proper licensing and introduce measures to protect the country’s water resources.
His comments come amid growing concern over the severe pollution of the River Birim, which serves as a major source of freshwater for residents in Akyem Apapam and surrounding communities.
Reacting to a report by TV3 NewDay host Joseph Ackah-Blay on Friday, September 25, Mr Jantuah also advocated a forceful response to illegal mining, arguing that tougher measures were needed to deter those engaged in galamsey.
He suggested that where a “shoot to kill” approach is opposed on human rights grounds, security operatives could instead adopt what he described as a “shoot to maim” strategy.
“I’m continuously saying because Ghanaians, we love our lives—if we are not going to shoot to kill, shoot to maim. That’s the only thing that would put [fear], make it better,” he said.
Mr Jantuah argued that the possibility of suffering permanent injury could deter people from engaging in illegal mining.
He also questioned why successive governments had been unable to impose a temporary ban on small-scale mining and use the period to reorganise the sector.
“They [NPP] tried, but they gave up. Why aren’t we banning small-scale mining for 2 to 3 years to put things right? No small-scale mining licenses—we ban it and restructure it properly,” he said.
He further argued that a temporary suspension could allow polluted water bodies to recover, citing previous efforts under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“When Nana Addo tried, wasn’t the water turbidity coming back? But because of politics, what did he do? He stopped. Let’s ban it for two years and get everything in place. At least water bodies might recover,” he added.
The comments come as the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) reports extremely high turbidity levels in the Birim River, with readings reaching as high as 75,000 NTU.
The level of contamination has reportedly delayed plans to resume operations at the Kyebi water treatment plant, which relies on the river as a source of raw water.
Meanwhile, a visit to the affected area by Mr Ackah-Blay showed that illegal mining activities continue in parts of the area. Some operators have reportedly erected roofing sheets along roadsides to conceal their activities from passing motorists.
The activities are said to be continuing despite reports to the police and national security agencies, with some mining operations allegedly taking place close to, and even behind, a local police station.
