Tarkwa: The University of Derby, UK, in collaboration with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), hosted a research dissemination workshop focusing on the transition from galamsey to community gold mining in Ghana. The event marked the first presentation of findings from an International Growth Centre funded project aimed at unraveling conditions for sustainable rural development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Akuba Bezeba Yalley, a lecturer at UMaT and co-principal investigator of the research project, opened the session by highlighting the objectives of the community mining scheme, which was commissioned in 2021. She emphasized the necessity of assessing whether these objectives had been met and identifying key areas for policy and implementation reforms. The research team secured funding from the International Growth Centre to delve into these issues, resulting in significant findings.
Dr. Yalley noted the importance of engaging stakeholders to validate the research findings and potentially recommend solutions for future progress. The workshop aimed to present these findings, facilitate stakeholder validation, and develop recommendations to inform long-term policy and implementation reforms.
Associate Professor Andrews Owusu from the University of Derby, and the principal investigator of the project, stressed the importance of soliciting feedback from miners, regulators, academics, and industry players. He stated that while some objectives of the community mining scheme had been partially achieved, environmental sustainability remained a challenge. He pointed out that inadequate training, supervision, and political interference threatened the success of the community-based gold mining scheme unless addressed.
Dr. Vivian Isabella Seshie, in her welcoming address, urged attendees, including researchers, policymakers, industry players, and students, to use the workshop as a platform for knowledge sharing and developing sustainable solutions.
Some stakeholders expressed optimism to the Ghana News Agency after the workshop, believing that continued research-informed initiatives by UMaT could significantly reduce illegal mining activities in the coming years.