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Senior Research Analyst at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Rhoda Osei-Afful, has called on the government to implement urgent and effective measures to tackle the widespread illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, which continue to plague the country.
Speaking during an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile program on Saturday, Madam Osei-Afful stressed that Ghana has heard enough rhetoric on the issue, and now is the time for concrete, actionable steps.
“We have witnessed enough promises and discussions, but what we need now is real action. The fight against galamsey must go beyond mere words,” she asserted.
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Osei-Afful emphasised that the fight against illegal mining must be swift, comprehensive, and sustained in order to effectively address the damage it has caused to Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies and farmlands. “Ghana’s natural resources are being destroyed, and if this continues unchecked, the long-term effects could be catastrophic for future generations,” she warned.
Her comments come amid ongoing concerns over the severe environmental degradation caused by galamsey, which has resulted in the pollution of rivers and the depletion of fertile agricultural lands.
The persistent nature of the illegal mining activities has led to a significant loss of biodiversity and the contamination of drinking water sources, further exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities.
Osei-Afful called for a well-coordinated national effort to address the crisis, urging the government to collaborate with civil society organisations and local communities to ensure that measures are not only implemented but also sustained over time.
“This fight requires all hands on deck. We need a concerted effort that brings together the government, the people, and relevant stakeholders to work towards a lasting solution,” she stated.
As the country grapples with the galamsey menace, Osei-Afful’s call for decisive action serves as a timely reminder that Ghana’s natural resources and the livelihoods of future generations hang in the balance.
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