There should be an alternative livelihood for 'galamseyers'- Charles Sedem

Charles Sedem, a Research Fellow on Environmental Degradation, emphasizes the need for alternative livelihoods for illegal miners. These miners are often called galamseyers. Efforts to stop illegal mining continue across the country.

On Joy FM’s Top Story, Mr. Sedem discussed this issue on April 3. He noted that not providing sustainable alternatives is a major gap in government efforts.

He said, “People have not been consulted enough.” Stakeholders were not engaged adequately either. If someone's life depends on illegal mining, they will resist stopping without an alternative.

Mr. Sedem compared this situation to disarmament in war-torn countries. Combatants often receive alternatives for survival when they lay down their weapons.

He cited the Democratic Republic of Congo as an example. There, prolonged wars fueled by diamonds led to exchanges of weapons for meaningful opportunities.

“If I get a job or capital to start something else, I wouldn’t go back,” he stated. Without such provisions, tensions could escalate into violence.

He also pointed out the broader effects of illegal mining on communities. Many businesses and livelihoods depend on the galamsey economy.

Mr. Sedem urged policymakers to include miners and community members in discussions about solutions. He believes this inclusive approach is crucial.

Furthermore, he called for a comprehensive alternative livelihood program from the government. This would help address the galamsey crisis effectively.

“In some areas, entire villages rely on services provided to illegal miners,” he explained. If that is their only income source, how can they support land reclamation efforts?

“This has been missing all along,” he lamented. “Now people have taken the law into their own hands.”