Professor Alfred Oteng Yeboah, Environment and Science Lead at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, has pointed out that combating illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, is challenging because a segment of the Ghanaian population views it as a livelihood.
In an interview with Bernard Avle on Point of View on Channel One TV, Prof. Oteng Yeboah underscored that this unregulated activity not only wreaks havoc on the environment but also poses a significant threat to Ghana’s economy, necessitating urgent action.
He emphasized the need for enhanced public education on the detrimental effects of galamsey, stating that raising awareness is crucial to addressing the issue.
“Some individuals see galamsey as a source of income, and when it becomes a means of survival, it is difficult to remove it from their lives. Many are unaware of the consequences of their actions, which we need to clearly communicate to them.
“The economic stability of the nation is at risk; when we hear about cocoa farms being devastated, forest reserves being destroyed, and other agricultural systems being compromised, it’s clear that we are in serious trouble.”
Prof. Oteng Yeboah also lamented the health risks posed by the chemicals used by illegal miners, which contaminate farmlands and water bodies.
“Who follows where the chemicals are going and what they [the illegal miners] do to water and land organisms? I am not sure they even understand the formulation of the chemicals.
Who takes care of the residue chemicals because these chemicals can stay on the land and water for a long time and people end up consuming them?
“There are some organisms that live in the soil and help ensure fertility and once these organisms are eliminated, it means they can no longer produce any nutrients.”
