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Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science

ISSN Online: 2576-0548 ISSN Print: 2576-0556 CODEN: JHASAY
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ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2026.02.010

Assessing the Role of Leadership in the Fight Against Galamsey

Ogochukwu C. Nweke1,*, Samuel Ayeh-Bampoe2, Salome Ofori Appiah3, Emmanuel K. A. Appiah4,5, Bashiru S. Zibo6,7,8

1School of Business, Leadership and Legal Studies (SBLL), Regent University College of Science and Technology, Accra DS 1636, Ghana. 

2Regent University College of Science and Technology, Accra DS 1636, Ghana.

3University of Cape Coast (UCC), Cape Coast CC075, Ghana.

4Customs Division, Ghana Revenue Authority, Accra GA184, Ghana.

5UNICAF University, Lusaka 10101, Zambia.

6Ghana Police Service, Accra Regional Command, Accra GA-014, Ghana.

7Faculty of Law, Governance and International Relations, Kings University College (KUC), Accra GP 18835, Ghana.

8Centre for Distant and e-Learning, University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Kasoa GH001, Ghana.

*Corresponding author: Ogochukwu C. Nweke

Published: February 27, 2026

Abstract

Illegal mining (galamsey) still causes serious environmental, social, and governance problems in Ghana despite the government’s continuous efforts. This study evaluates the roles played by the leadership in the fight against galamsey. The study specifically focused on the role of the leaders in the enforcement operations and the difficulties they face in the implementation of the anti-galamsey campaigns. A qualitative research approach and an exploratory research design were employed to gather and analyze data for the study. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with principal stakeholders such as government officials at the district level, security forces, regulatory officers, and traditional leaders in some selected districts popular for galamsey. The results indicate that the leaders are active in the fight against illegal mining by initiating and coordinating enforcement operations, mobilizing and supporting the security agencies, facilitating inter-agency collaboration, and exercising authority to regulate land use at the community level. However, the role of leadership is impeded by obstacles including political interference, threats and intimidation, limited logistical resources, corruption, community resistance, and conflicts between institutions. The study concludes that leaders play important operational and community-based roles, including coordination of enforcement, mobilization of local compliance, facilitation of collaboration, and regulation of land use. However, their effectiveness is shaped and at the same time limited by political interference, resource constraints, and institutional fragmentation. The study contributes to the ongoing debates on governance and natural resource management by presenting leadership as a significant but context-sensitive factor in the fight against illegal mining in Ghana.

Keyword

Enforcement; Galamsey; Illegal mining; Leadership role; Small-scale mining

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How to cite this paper

Assessing the Role of Leadership in the Fight Against Galamsey

How to cite this paper: Ogochukwu C. Nweke, Samuel Ayeh-Bampoe, Salome Ofori Appiah, Emmanuel K. A. Appiah, Bashiru S. Zibo. (2026) Assessing the Role of Leadership in the Fight Against GalamseyJournal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science10(2), 167-182.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2026.02.010