The Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Jeroen Verheul, has voiced his concerns regarding Ghana's ongoing struggle with illegal mining, also known as "galamsey."

According to Ambassador Verheul, the lack of effective law enforcement is a significant factor contributing to the persistence of this issue.

During an interview on JoyNews' AM Show with Benjamin Akakpo on Thursday, Mr. Verheul expressed his observations.

"There is not a lot of success in combating illegal mining, and if I speak to organizations that are forcefully opposing illegal mining, they tell me it is very difficult to get enforcement. For example, if the police act and arrest somebody, that person is often out of prison very soon," he said.

Despite an increase in gold production in Ghana, Mr. Verheul noted that this growth is primarily occurring within the informal sector rather than the formal, regulated sector. He pointed out that this shift further complicates the battle against illegal mining activities.

Mr. Verheul also shared his preference for describing the issue as "small-scale illegal mining" rather than using the term "galamsey."

He explained, "I avoid using the term 'galamsey' because it implies something cultural or uniquely African, which I believe is inaccurate."

Addressing the root of the problem, the Ambassador emphasized the need for substantial effort to combat illegal mining. However, he expressed skepticism about the feasibility of curtailing the menace, suggesting that some parties likely benefit from the continuation of illegal mining and therefore have a vested interest in its persistence.

"I do not have the knowledge and expertise to indicate who those parties might be, but if there was a general political will and if there was an enforcement capacity, then Ghana would be able to solve this issue, but it is not happening," Mr. Verheul stated.

Illegal mining poses several significant challenges for Ghana, impacting both the environment and socio-economic conditions.

Such activities often result in severe environmental damage. Forests are cleared, and rivers are polluted with toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide used in gold extraction. This contamination affects water sources, posing health risks to local communities and disrupting ecosystems.

The informal nature of illegal mining means that the government loses potential revenue from taxes and royalties. This loss of income can impact national development projects and the overall economy.