The Ghanaian government has ramped up efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, with Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang urging Members of Parliament, particularly those from mining communities, to play an active role in restoring responsible small-scale mining practices.
Speaking at the Parliamentarians Conference on Restoring the Culture of Small-Scale Mining in Ghana, Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the devastating environmental impact of galamsey, citing the destruction of forests, pollution of water bodies, and severe health consequences for local communities.
“Our forests are being degraded, and our water bodies are heavily polluted. This is not just an environmental issue but a national crisis affecting livelihoods and public health,” she stated.
The Vice President commended the new Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for taking swift action to introduce measures aimed at curbing illegal mining. She stressed that reversing the environmental degradation requires a collective effort from parliamentarians, regulatory agencies, and mining communities.
Hon. Buah, in his address, echoed these concerns, warning that failure to act decisively could have dire economic and environmental consequences. “Our destiny is in our hands. The environmental devastation we have witnessed over the past two decades must not continue,” he declared.
He further emphasized the government’s commitment to holding illegal miners accountable, stating that no one, regardless of their status, would be exempt from the law if caught engaging in illegal activities.
The conference, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, brought together key stakeholders, including lawmakers, environmental experts, and industry players, to develop sustainable solutions for small-scale mining in Ghana. The discussions focused on policy enforcement, community engagement, and stricter regulatory frameworks to prevent further destruction of natural resources.
Majority Leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga underscored the role of parliamentarians in addressing illegal mining, noting that every small-scale mining activity occurs within a constituency. “It is imperative that we, as representatives of the people, support government efforts to tackle this challenge head-on,” he said.
With the government vowing to take a tough stance on illegal mining, stakeholders are being called upon to collaborate in ensuring that small-scale mining benefits the economy while preserving Ghana’s environment for future generations.
