Alternative Livelihood Programs Fail to Deter Galamsey

KEY POINTS

• Alternative livelihood programs fail to deter workers from illegal mining.
• Ghana’s high-interest rates hinder sustainable business ventures.
• Experts say galamsey offers higher daily income than legal jobs.

Alternative livelihood initiatives aimed at stopping illegal mining, or galamsey, are being criticized for having little economic benefit. The failure of these measures to offer a lasting solution was emphasized by Prof. Stephen Adei, a former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). He insisted that a comprehensive reform of Ghana’s economic model is necessary to generate viable employment.

Adei stated during an appearance on TV3’s Agenda program that although the concept behind these projects is admirable, they fall short of providing the rapid cash rewards that galamsey offers. Programs for alternative livelihoods by themselves won’t address the issue. According to Graphic Online, he underlined the need for a more employment-intensive economic system as a whole.

High interest rates hinder sustainable ventures

One major barrier to economic diversification, according to Adei, is Ghana’s high interest rates, which are currently at 35 percent. Since many people and businesses cannot afford credit, some Ghanaians resort to illicit mining as a means of making quick cash. The industry is still appealing because it provides quicker profits, particularly in areas with weak economies.

Dr. Tony Aubynn, a former CEO of the Ghana Minerals Commission, echoed Adei’s worries, stating that the wage inequality makes many workers in the illicit mining industry reluctant to quit. Aubynn observed, “It’s difficult to find an alternative that matches that income when someone earns 200 cedis a day from galamsey.”

Despite previous efforts, including a $20 million project to establish oil palm fields in mining areas, both experts emphasized that few miners were willing to change industries. According to Aubynn, core employees frequently do not see any advantage from these initiatives since the results do not meet their expectations.

Accountability and leadership required

Adei emphasized that solving the galamsey issue necessitates strong local leadership in addition to economic reforms. In order to successfully stop illicit mining operations, he underlined the necessity of holding chiefs, district officials, and community leaders responsible.

“Poverty cannot be used as an excuse for breaching the law. Adei cautioned, “If we do, we risk normalizing illegality,” and urged authorities to prevent people from using financial difficulty as a justification for illicit activity.

Adei’s comments emphasize how Ghana’s economy needs more extensive structural adjustments. Experts caution that efforts to discourage people from galamsey through livelihood programs may continue to fail if these fundamental problems are not addressed.