Ghana leaders call for urgent action against illegal mining

Ghanaian leaders and religious figures are calling for urgent, coordinated action to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey, which is causing severe environmental damage and water pollution. Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, has urged the government to exercise its political authority to crush the practice, noting that the destruction of mining communities and the high cost of treating contaminated water affect the entire nation.

Environment Minister-designate Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized that the crisis requires a unified strategy involving inter-agency coordination between security forces, environmental regulators, and local government bodies. She argued that isolated interventions have failed and that effective collaboration is essential to protect forest reserves and water bodies.

In a separate approach to the crisis, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia proposed a plan to formalize the small-scale mining sector. This initiative includes providing affordable finance, modern equipment, and geological information to legitimate operators. By transitioning small-scale miners into the formal economy, the plan aims to increase royalty payments, create jobs, and promote more environmentally responsible practices.