Galamsey has evolved into transnational organised crime – Prof. Appiagyei-Tua

Professor of International Law and Human Rights at the University of Ghana School of Law, Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Tua, says illegal mining in Ghana has evolved into a form of transnational organised crime driven by profit, coercion, violence and corruption.

He argues that the menace has moved beyond the activities of individual miners and now involves networks of influential actors, including political figures.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Prof. Appiagyei-Tua explained that the scale and organisation of illegal mining suggest a sophisticated criminal enterprise involving collaboration among different interests.

He said the activities were no longer limited to miners operating at illegal mining sites but had developed into networks involving political actors and other players who facilitate the trade.

According to him, the profit-driven nature of the operations, coupled with the use of coercion, violence and corruption, makes the fight against galamsey more complex.

“I am saddened; I don’t know what words to use now, but I think the bottom line is that we should understand that galamsey is a transnational organised crime. This is a crime that seeks to make a profit through coercion, violence, and corruption. And we have seen that through networking, not only among the criminal actors but also among political appointees and the government in power, in several ways,” he said.

ALSO READ:

Arrests and seized equipment not enough to judge galamsey fight – Prof Bokpin

NDC gov’t has failed galamsey fight spectacularly – Miracles Aboagye