Letter to John Mahama on New Year’s Day – Reclamation Bond, the Game Changer in the Fight Against Galamsey.

Dear Your Excellency,

Happy New Year and please allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your victory in the just ended elections. This resounding endorsement is a manifestation of the trust and belief the good people of Ghana have placed in your vision, leadership, and dedication to transforming their fortunes.

As a passionate golf enthusiast, I had the chance to visit Streamsong in Polk County during my recent visit to Florida. Not only was this golf course magnificent and a sporting masterpiece by all standards, what struck me more was its history. I was surprised to have discovered that this architectural and sporting masterpiece emanated from an old phosphate mine. The reclamation of this old mine and converting it into a thriving economic and recreational establishment clearly demonstrates that we have no excuse to denigrate our lands and other natural resources through small scale mining in Ghana.

In many parts of the world including Ghana, old mining pits have been reclaimed and redeveloped into valuable economic ventures whilst at the same time serving the environment purposefully. Notably are golf courses, biomedical hubs, hotels and more. For example the InterContinental Hotel in Shanghai, a five-star luxury establishment with underwater restaurants was a former quarry which was redeveloped. These portrays how sustainable mining can be when done responsibly.

Evidence from best mining practices clearly demonstrate that mining need not lead to destruction but rather should be a catalyst of asset creation during the life of the mine and long after its closure. Unfortunately, the Ghana story has proven otherwise, where illegal mining activities—popularly known as “galamsey”—have wreaked havoc on our water bodies, forests, and communities. These havoc on our natural resources and communities do not only threaten our ecosystem but also the livelihood and the health of the population.

One of the critical factors that made the ruling government unpopular was their inability to tackle the scourge of illegal mining head-on. The fight against illegal mining in Ghana is a complex issue but pressing issue that can make or break your government. It is therefore imperative that your leadership deliver a decisive and sustainable solution.

While addressing illegal mining will require a multifaceted approach, I believe the introduction of a reclamation bond system as part of the permitting process for small-scale mining could be a game-changer in this fight. This mechanism has been successfully implemented in many parts of the world and also in the large scale mining space in Ghana ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly and that degraded lands are rehabilitated.

The concept is straightforward yet powerful. Before any entity or individual is permitted to mine, they must submit a closure or rehabilitation plan, detailing how they intend to restore the land after mining operations have concluded. This plan, including an estimated cost for reclamation, would be reviewed and approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities. Once approved, the mining entity would be required to secure a reclamation bond from an insurer or financial institution. This bond would then be lodged with the government as a guarantee.

Though this is a closure plan, from my experience working in mines, reclamation is a live exercise that occurs throughout the life of the mine. Most mining companies will reclaim as they go along and I believe this should be critical requirement if it’s introduced to small scale mining.

The introduction of such a reclamation bond system would have two significant benefits. First, it would incentivize miners to minimize environmental degradation. Knowing they have a financial obligation tied to the cost of land restoration, they would be more likely to adopt sustainable practices and mitigate damage during operations. Second, in cases where miners fail to fulfill their reclamation responsibilities or abandon the site after extracting resources, the government would have access to the funds necessary to restore the land—without resorting to taxpayer money.

By incorporating this system into Ghana’s small-scale mining framework, your administration can send a strong signal of its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. It would also align Ghana with global best practices, ensuring that our natural resources are managed responsibly and that mining becomes a catalyst for long-term prosperity rather than a source of environmental ruin.

In closing, I wish to express my unwavering confidence in your ability to champion this cause and to lead Ghana toward a future where our natural resources are not only safeguarded but also harnessed for the benefit of all. The fight against illegal mining is undoubtedly a formidable challenge, but with bold and innovative measures like the reclamation bond system, I am optimistic that Ghana can turn the tide and set an example for the world.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to witnessing the transformative progress your leadership will bring to our beloved nation.

Yours sincerely,
Emmanuel Appiah-Kubi (Msc, FCCA)
Consultant in the Mining Industry