Africa-Press – Ghana. Dr Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), has lauded government’s approach in tackling illegal mining (galamsey), describing it as genuine, consistent and anchored on well-thought-out policies.
In an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency’s Digital Team, Dr Aubynn said the government’s measures to curb the menace were not ad hoc but the result of carefully considered plans that dated back several years.
“I see the effort of this government to be very genuine and consistent, and if we allow the President’s measures to run to their full throttle, we will reduce this galamsey challenge. These were not plans that came in today,” he stressed.
He noted that initiatives such as the re-categorisation of mining activities, the introduction of tracking systems, the establishment of Goldbod, and the promotion of mining cooperatives were captured in the party’s manifesto prior to assuming office, reflecting its commitment to addressing the problem.
According to Dr Aubynn, unlike previous administrations which he said lacked commitment and even passed laws permitting mining in forests, the current government had shown passion and determination to pursue the right solutions.
On calls for a declaration of a state of emergency to address the situation, Dr Aubynn argued that Ghana had not reached that stage, warning that such a measure carried wider consequences beyond the galamsey challenge.
“The state of emergency must be very scarcely and carefully used. You don’t just use it. Declaring one will affect other activities like farming and schooling in mining areas,” he explained.
He, however, supported the government’s designation of water bodies and forest reserves as security zones, describing it as a pragmatic step akin to a “mini-state of emergency” that ensured the protection of critical natural resources without crippling other livelihoods.
“For me, the biggest challenge is the destruction of our water bodies. It is unfair and selfish for people to pollute them for personal gain while others are deprived of their right to clean water. That one, every effort must be made to stop it,” he added.
Dr Aubynn appealed to the public to exercise patience and support the government’s ongoing efforts, emphasising that consistency and persistence were essential in the national fight against illegal mining.
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