Government’s Decision to Deport, Not Prosecute Foreign Nationals Involved in Illegal Mining, Is Troubling

Yesterday, I read a news report in which the Minister for Interior, Hon. Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, was reported to have said that the government has decided to deport rather than prosecute foreign nationals involved in illegal mining.

This decision is troubling and undermines public confidence in the fight against illegal mining in Ghana.

I am aware that the state sometimes wants to be lenient with foreign nationals because of diplomatic relations, but we cannot sacrifice the future of this nation in the name of diplomacy. Galamsey is a threat to the livelihoods of many and to our long-term sustainability. Let us treat foreign criminals as such, without fear.

To remind the Honourable Minister, the deportation of over 4,500 Chinese/foreign illegal miners in 2013 did little to deter future illegal entry and involvement of foreigners in illegal mining. In December 2018, Chinese galamsey ‘queen’ Aisha Huan was arrested and deported. By September 2022, she had returned to Ghana to engage in galamsey. It is evident that this approach has not worked and only weakens Ghana’s legal authority, reinforcing impunity. Offenders can easily return through informal routes, emboldened by the absence of legal consequences. In addition, prosecution provides an opportunity to expose local collaborators and networks.

It is important to note that deportation renders Ghana’s robust mining laws (Acts 703, 900, and 995) ineffective if not enforced equally against all offenders. Furthermore, the decision to deport foreign nationals undermines national sovereignty and institutional authority. Failing to prosecute foreign illegal miners sends a troubling signal that Ghana lacks the political will to enforce its laws. This weakens public confidence in the government and state institutions. We must enforce our Minerals and Mining Laws.

In addition to strict enforcement of the Minerals and Mining Laws, a decentralized, community-centered enforcement model is urgently needed. We need to study and learn from Peru’s experience, empower traditional authorities, community members, and district assemblies to create a local enforcement ecosystem. Such actors are often more familiar with the terrain and can serve as the first line of resistance against illegal mining activities.

We should also educate communities on the importance of ecotourism for local economic development. Many forest reserves and biodiversity-rich areas being destroyed by illegal mining hold immense potential for ecotourism, a sustainable, environmentally friendly economic activity that can generate long-term income, especially for rural communities. Ecotourism creates sustainable opportunities and protects the environment at the same time.

In conclusion, Ghana’s response to illegal mining must evolve from reactive military interventions to proactive, community-driven enforcement and sustainable development. Prosecution of offenders, community involvement, and the promotion of ecotourism are critical components in protecting Ghana’s environment and sovereignty.

By: Richmond Yeboah, Ph.D.
Department of Tourism Management
Cape Coast Technical University