Accra: Dr Worlanyo Mensah, an economist, has urged the government to implement innovative reforms in Ghana’s prison system to tackle the illegal mining menace, commonly referred to as galamsey.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Mensah believes that by introducing policies aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates, the country could leverage their knowledge and skills to address this pressing issue.
In a recent interview, Dr Mensah emphasized that prisons should serve as centers for reformation, highlighting that many inmates possess valuable skills in information technology and various technical fields. He suggested that these skills could be redirected into productive national service if harnessed properly.
Dr Mensah proposed the introduction of structured training programs within the prison system to equip inmates with employable skills. These programs could focus on areas such as environmental management, reclamation of mined lands, and digital monitoring of mining activities. By providing such training, prisoners would not only gain practical experience but also actively contribute to mitigating the environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities.
He further suggested that reformed prisoners could be deployed in supervised national projects aimed at restoring degraded lands. He stressed the importance of training and compensating prisoners, asserting that when inmates see the state’s commitment to their development and welfare, they are less likely to escape.
Dr Mensah also highlighted that these reforms would not only benefit the nation but also help reduce recidivism rates. By acquiring useful skills and securing meaningful employment after serving their sentences, former inmates would be less inclined to return to a life of crime.
He reiterated the severe environmental, economic, and social challenges posed by illegal mining in Ghana, underscoring the threat it poses to water security and the livelihoods of countless citizens. Dr Mensah concluded by calling for a multi-dimensional approach to effectively combat this ongoing issue.