Dr. Frank Bannor, Development Economist & Head of Research at Danquah Institute
By Bright Philip Donkor
Dr. Frank Bannor, Development Economist and Head of Research at the Danquah Institute, has disagreed with the notion that unemployment is the primary driver behind the youth’s involvement in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey in Ghana.
Speaking on the subject during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokokrokoo Show on Thursday, October 8, 2024, Dr. Bannor emphasized that his background and exposure to mining, having grown up in Obuasi, one of Ghana’s major mining communities, shaped his views on the matter.
“I disagree with anyone who claims that unemployment is the main reason the youth engage in illegal mining. I disagree because of where I come from—Obuasi—and the exposure I have in mining,” Dr. Bannor stated.
South Africa’s case
He pointed to South Africa as a compelling example to counter this argument. Despite South Africa having the highest unemployment rate in Africa, with 32.1% of its working population unemployed, the country does not see rampant illegal mining on the scale witnessed in Ghana. Dr. Bannor highlighted that while South Africa faces severe unemployment and unequal access to opportunities, it possesses significantly larger gold reserves than Ghana.
“South Africa’s unemployment rate is 32.1%, and the country has the most unequal access to opportunities in Africa. Yet, despite these challenges, you don’t see the same level of illegal mining activity as we experience in Ghana,” Dr. Bannor explained.
He attributed the difference not to economic conditions but to the collective responsibility of South African citizens and their approach to mining. “This is due to the collective responsibility of the citizens of South Africa and their lack of greed,” Dr. Bannor noted, implying that issues of greed and individual irresponsibility are greater driving factors behind illegal mining in Ghana.
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