The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems (CenCES), James Kwabena Bomfeh, popularly known as Kabila, has called on the government to allocate at least one percent of the gains from mining companies to the communities in which they operate in.

Speaking on JoyNews AM Show on Monday, July 7, 2025, Bomfeh explained that giving mining communities a share of the proceeds would help curb the rising cases of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

According to him, when host communities benefit directly from legal mining activities, their incentive to engage in or support illegal mining operations is significantly reduced.

“If the people in these communities know they will benefit directly from legal mining, they will help protect it and stop shielding illegal activities,” he said.

He emphasised that sustainable development and peace in these areas depend largely on how much residents feel included in the wealth generated from their natural resources.

Bomfeh added that the current model, where communities bear the brunt of mining’s environmental impact without adequate compensation, fuels resentment and lawlessness.

He urged policymakers and stakeholders to act swiftly, stating that the long-term solution to illegal mining lies in fair and inclusive resource distribution.

MRA/AE

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