In the ongoing battle against illicit mining, which is commonly known as “galamsey,” Mobile Money (MoMo) operators are now threatening to go on a nationwide strike.
The operators, who are essential to the nation’s financial system, contended that the galamsey menace has begun to impact their business operations and livelihoods.
Ghana has been afflicted by Galamsey for years, causing significant environmental damage and presenting a significant challenge to water bodies and farmlands. Despite the efforts of successive governments to combat the practice, enforcement has frequently been inadequate, resulting in a resurgence of the activity in numerous regions of the nation.
The issue is not solely an environmental one for Mobile Money operators; it also involves economic considerations.
Illegal mining activities, particularly in mining communities, have resulted in precarious conditions that have a direct impact on their capacity to conduct business.
Many Mobile Money agents have reported a decrease in transactions and an increase in insecurity as a result of the increased galamsey activities.
The organization in In a statement, the profound concern was expressed regarding the “uncontrolled activities of illegal miners” that have resulted in widespread water pollution, destruction of fertile lands, loss of biodiversity, and increased risks to human safety and livelihoods.
MoMAG stated that “illegal mining is posing severe threats to our environment, economy, and human lives.” It emphasized that the consequences of illegal mining extend beyond the immediate areas of operation to disrupt critical sectors, including the mobile money industry.
Mobile money operators declare nationwide strike
“We are particularly worried about the increased risk of armed robbery and attacks on mobile money agents, as well as the loss of livelihoods for those operating in affected areas.”
Mobile money operators have joined the demand from a variety of sectors for the government to increase its efforts in the fight against galamsey.
Therefore, MoMAG urged the government to “enforce laws and regulations governing mining activities, provide alternative livelihoods for those involved in illegal mining, support sustainable mining practices, protect and restore affected environments, and ensure the safety and security of mobile money agents and their customers.”
It also demanded an immediate prohibition of the use of “chanfa/galamsey equipment and activities.”
The group stated, “We will not alter our stance until action is taken to address the situation.”
“We demand that the government take concrete measures to resolve this critical issue.” Failure to comply with this requirement will result in an indefinite strike.
Throughout the years, the government and a variety of stakeholders have implemented initiatives to address this issue. In recent years, the struggle against galamsey has garnered the attention of numerous prominent organizations from a variety of sectors. These organizations are all dedicated to the restoration of the nation’s natural resources and the protection of communities that have been impacted by the destructive practice.