Policy Analyst Steve Manteaw has voiced strong criticism over the current strategies employed in Ghana’s battle against illegal mining, arguing that the efforts lack sincerity and effectiveness.
In a pointed social media post, Manteaw challenged the approach taken by the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund, Hannah Bisiw, highlighting concerns about the selective targeting of foreign operators while overlooking local collaborators.
According to Manteaw, focusing enforcement actions predominantly on Chinese miners, while allowing Ghanaian accomplices to evade scrutiny, undermines the credibility and success of anti-galamsey campaigns. He described this practice as not only ineffective but also racially biased.
“The biggest obstacle in combating illegal mining is vested interests,” Manteaw stated. “The Ghanaian kingpins, who often remain shielded, are the real challenge and must be held accountable alongside their foreign partners.”
He called for a comprehensive crackdown that equally holds all parties responsible, emphasizing that genuine progress will only come when all involved, regardless of nationality, face consequences. Manteaw’s call to end what he terms “theatrics and pretense” signals growing frustration with the current fight against illegal mining and a demand for more transparent and equitable enforcement.
