A GOOD ONE THERE, NANA (SEPT 3, 2010)

Mining has been with us for a very long time and pre-dates independent Ghana. Its contribution to national development could be measured in various dimensions.
It is important to state that the mining law also makes room for artisanal or small-scale mining and so groups and individuals could apply for concessions.
It is to protect the environment from the acts of illegal miners that the law requires artisanal miners to apply for concessions and go about their duties within the confines of the law.
Sadly, many of our youth have taken to illegal mining activities. The DAILY GRAPHIC has, time without number, drawn attention to the activities of galamsey operators, whose duty has been to pollute the environment without regard to laid-down rules and regulations.
The careless abandon with which these miscreants have taken their acts to cause all manner of havoc to the country’s natural resources is very nauseating and an eyesore.
Years ago, Ghana could point to rivers such as Pra, Densu, and Birim. Today, such rivers are dead due to the activities of illegal miners.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, applauds the efforts of the Chief of Akyem Adankrono, Barima Sarpong Kumankuma II, for his vigilantism and good leadership skills, which led to the seizure of galamsey operators whose activities have polluted River Birim in the Eastern Region.
But we are saddened that it has to take the effort of a chief and his people to chase out these illegal miners, when there are state institutions tasked with the mandate to protect our natural resources.
Strong state institutions, well resourced to carry out the mandate without fear of favour is what this country lacks.
Our forest cover has been depleted to the extent that what is left is nothing to boast about. Water- bodies that serve as a source of livelihood to many communities are almost dead, threatening the very existence of our compatriots in the rural areas.
In spite of all these challenges, state institutions seem to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of these challenges and have given up the fight.
It is only when communities and societies lose faith and trust in state institutions to provide them with security that vigilantism would thrive.
However, such acts could lead to clashes and possible casualties on the part of public-spirited Ghanaians who insist on doing what is right.
The DAILY GRAPHIC applauds the people of Akyem for chasing out these miscreants in our society and supports their cause to ensure that their main source of water was not polluted any longer.
The onus lies squarely on all of us to also become vigilant and to resist the activities of illegal miners whose actions are making life unbearable for our communities.