The National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners (NCASSM) has sounded the alarm on the alleged mismanagement of over $200 million allocated to combat illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana between 2017 and 2024. Apexnewsgh reports
In a press statement, NCASSM President Michael Kwadwo Peprah raised concerns about the misuse of funds and equipment acquired under the anti-galamsey campaign.
Specifically, the association highlighted several instances of questionable spending, including:
a. Missing Drones: Over $2 million was spent on drones for surveillance, but many are reportedly missing.
b. Failed GalamStop Application: Approximately $1 million was invested in developing a technology platform to streamline licensing and monitoring of small-scale mining, but it failed to deliver.
c. Ineffective GPS Tracking Devices: Resources were allocated for GPS tracking devices to monitor excavators, but their effectiveness remains questionable.
d. Drone Pilot Training: Taxpayer money was spent on training drone pilots, yet the initiative has not had a significant impact on illegal mining activities.
Furthermore, NCASSM alleged that some confiscated mining equipment, including excavators, were misappropriated, sold, or destroyed without proper accountability.
To address these issues, NCASSM has called for:
1. Independent Investigation: Establish a neutral committee to audit the $200 million allocated for the campaign.
2. Audit of Confiscated Equipment: Investigate reports of mismanagement of seized mining equipment.
3. Accountability for Failed Projects: Provide a full report on failed initiatives and determine who benefited from them.
4. Prosecution of Offenders: Prosecute individuals or groups found to have misused public funds or diverted resources.
The association emphasized that the fight against galamsey will only succeed if public resources are used transparently and effectively. They urged the government to work with stakeholders in the small-scale mining industry to develop sustainable solutions and implement rigorous monitoring of anti-galamsey initiatives.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
