Following calls for the outright prohibition of all surface mining, the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has urged for a more methodical approach to addressing unlawful mining.
The prohibition "is not going to work, and it is not going to provide the solutions that we desire," according to the general secretary of the organization, Godwin Armah.
One of the most recent critics to call for an immediate ban on all types of small-scale and surface mining in the nation as part of measures to reduce mining operations that harm the environment is the Media Coalition Against Galamsey.
But according to Mr. Armah, his organization is working with the government to find answers to the illicit mining issue.
"The results won't come in a day. The government has implemented numerous initiatives, and we are collaborating closely to make sure we regain control of our river bodies.
He also advised those advocating for a total ban on mining to consider the employment that were at risk.
"It employs more than a million people, many of whom have dependents. Yes, we see the difficulties, but there needs to be harmony.
Small-scale mining was banned by the government in May 2017, however the environmental impact was minimal.
In May 2018, the restriction on small-scale mining was repealed.