Security expert Prof Kwesi Aning has criticised Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, saying it continues to focus on low-level workers while ignoring the powerful financiers who control the trade.
According to him, authorities are “playing with the small boys” instead of dismantling the financial and political networks behind the galamsey business.
We must understand who funds these operations, how the money moves, and who benefits. Without that, our efforts will remain cosmetic,” he said.
Prof Aning warned that recent arrests may produce quick headlines but will not deliver lasting solutions to the destruction caused by illegal mining.
We are chasing short-term gains and neglecting the long-term fixes that can end this menace,” he noted
He also questioned why the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS) seems more effective than the country’s mandated security agencies under Acts 1030 and 1040 and the National Security Strategy, which identifies illegal mining as a major threat.
Prof Aning said the situation reflects a deeper issue a lack of political will to allow state institutions to act decisively.
The real problem is not about capacity; it’s about commitment,” he stressed.
