17 hours Ago By News Ghana
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://newsghana.com.gh/unmapped-illegal-mining-communities-threaten-national-security-activist-warns/Senyo Hosi, Convener of the advocacy group One Ghana Movement, has labeled the proliferation of unmapped settlements established by foreign nationals involved in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) as a “national disgrace” and a grave security threat.
Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points, Hosi expressed alarm over fortified communities operating beyond governmental oversight, urging immediate action to curb the crisis.“Foreign nationals creating their own enclaves on Ghanaian soil is a direct threat to our sovereignty,” Hosi declared. “These are fully functional, unmapped settlements in forest zones and remote areas how did national security fail to detect this?” His remarks follow recent reports of clandestine mining camps equipped with armed guards, some allegedly engaging in violent clashes with security forces.
Hosi criticized authorities for allowing such developments to flourish unchecked, calling for a “ruthless” crackdown on galamsey operations. “Armed miners are shooting at officers, yet these communities persist. If we cannot protect our land and citizens, we risk becoming a failing state,” he asserted, appealing to President Mahama to prioritize the issue.
Galamsey, a term derived from “gather and sell,” refers to illegal mining activities that have plagued Ghana for decades. Despite periodic government crackdowns, the practice persists, degrading forests, polluting water sources, and fueling organized crime. The involvement of foreign nationals, often from neighboring West African countries, has compounded tensions, with reports suggesting collusion between miners and local powerbrokers.
Hosi’s warnings highlight a critical gap in surveillance and enforcement. The unmapped settlements, some equipped with infrastructure like roads and machinery, operate as parallel economies, evading taxes and environmental regulations. Their remoteness and militarization complicate raids, leaving security agencies outgunned and outmaneuvered.
The rise of these enclaves underscores systemic vulnerabilities in Ghana’s governance framework. Critics argue that corruption, inadequate resourcing, and bureaucratic inertia enable galamsey networks to thrive. Environmental scientists warn that unchecked mining could devastate ecosystems, jeopardizing agriculture and water security for millions.
Hosi’s call for urgency mirrors public frustration over perceived governmental inaction. “This isn’t just about illegal mining it’s about national dignity,” he stressed. “If foreigners can carve out territories here, what stops them from undermining our laws entirely?”While the government has previously launched task forces to combat galamsey, results remain inconsistent.
Hosi advocates for enhanced intelligence-gathering, cross-agency collaboration, and harsher penalties for enablers, including complicit officials. “The president must treat this as a war,” he insisted. “Without decisive leadership, Ghana’s stability and resources remain at risk.
”As debates intensify, the unmapped settlements symbolize a broader struggle: balancing economic pressures from mining with the imperative to safeguard national integrity. For Hosi and many Ghanaians, the time for rhetoric has passed only unwavering resolve can reclaim the nation’s future. News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://newsghana.
com.gh/unmapped-illegal-mining-communities-threaten-national-security-activist-warns/.
