A news desk report
Four prominent civil society organisations (CSOs) – WaterAid Ghana, Agriculture and Aquaculture Associations, Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) and Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG) – have joined the chorus of voices calling for a comprehensive, decisive and permanent resolution to the menace of illegal mining known as galamsey.
In respective yet aligned statements, they expressed grave concerns over the environmental and socio-economic devastation caused by this uncontrolled practice.
WaterAid sounded the alarm on what it terms an ‘ecocide’ resulting from illegal mining activities.
Water supply drops 75% due to pollution
The urgency of their appeal was underscored by recent reports from Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), which has been forced to slash its clean water supply by 75 percent.
This drastic measure continues to affect hundreds of thousands of residents along the country’s southern coast as GWCL finds itself overwhelmed by pollution levels seven times higher than normal, attributed directly to illegal gold mining operations contaminating major water-bodies across the Eastern, Ashanti, Central and Western Regions.
Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur, WaterAid Ghana Country Director, did not hold back on the situation’s gravity.
“Ghana’s water supply – the lifeblood of our country – is in crisis because of this practice, which has been allowed to continue unchecked,” she stated.
She warned that the issue threatens to engulf the entire country, potentially undoing years of progress in providing universal access to clean water.
She added: “Extreme weather events, from drought to flooding, are already threatening fragile water sources; and as we have heard from communities, it is pushing even more young people – particularly those living in poverty – into this illegal activity. This is not just a problem for the country’s most marginalised; it threatens us all. Water contamination means higher costs and tariffs, while mercury and heavy metals are poisoning our food supply.
“The time for well-intentioned words is over, government must act now. Future generations are counting on us, the history books will judge our inaction,” she added.
WaterAid’s research in Upper East Region, specifically in the Bongo and Bawku West districts, revealed the problem’s extent.
While over three-quarters of those surveyed viewed illegal mining as a lucrative income source, 97 percent were aware of its dangerous environmental impacts. Most alarming was the finding that 79 percent of respondents reported health issues directly linked to their involvement in illegal mining activities.
The international charity warns that poverty, exacerbated by climate change impacts on traditional livelihoods like farming, is driving more Ghanaians – especially young people – into this hazardous industry.
WaterAid, quoting an anonymous illegal gold miner said: “Most of the boys have left school because of what they get from galamsey. They are able to make money fast from it.” However, he also acknowledged the severe environmental consequences – including water contamination with mercury and widespread deforestation.
Swift action to curtail uncontrolled illegal mining
Adding their voices to the outcry, Ghana Agriculture and Aquaculture Associations also condemned the devastating effects of galamsey on the nation’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems.
“The detrimental impacts of galamsey activities on Ghana’s environment are alarming. We urge the president, executive and parliament to take immediate action to address this critical issue that is wreaking havoc on our environment, economy and health,” the coalition said in a statement.
The coalition highlighted galamsey’s severe consequences, including depletion of Ghana’s forest reserves, destruction of freshwater bodies, loss of aquatic life and significant economic repercussions.
“Galamsey activities are not only destroying our environment but also threatening our food security, job creation, health and national stability,” it said.
“We demand immediate and decisive actions to combat galamsey, including the cessation of all galamsey operations, restoration of degraded lands and prosecution of perpetrators.”
The coalition has called for a holistic approach to address the issue, including setting up a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee, deploying military and police personnel to affected areas and providing alternative livelihoods for those involved in galamsey.
“We stand resolutely against the devastation caused by galamsey and call for innovative solutions, community involvement and justice for affected regions. Together, through collective responsibility, we aim to safeguard our resources for a sustainable future,” it stated.
On its part, the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) expressed deep concern over the unchecked spread of illegal mining, particularly in the critical Birimian and Tarkwaian basins.
FAGE highlighted the far-reaching and potentially irreversible consequences, including threats to national food and water security, unprecedented biodiversity loss and the destruction of vast agricultural lands.
In response, FAGE has called for immediate and decisive action from government. Their demands include an immediate halt to all small-scale mining activities nationwide, rapid deployment of security forces to affected areas and the development of a comprehensive plan to redirect the current illegal mining workforce toward productive sectors like agribusiness and manufacturing.
Additionally, FAGE is urging immediate funding for environmental restoration efforts and swift prosecution of those whose negligence has contributed to the current crisis.
Threat to the vegetable export sector
The Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG) raised another critical dimension of the issue – the threat to Ghana’s vegetable export sector.
Dr. Felix Kamassah, VEPEAG’s president, emphasised the devastating impact of galamsey on farmlands and the quality of vegetables produced for both domestic consumption and international markets.
“The effects of galamsey are far-reaching,” Dr. Kamassah stated. “We have lost vast farmlands needed for cultivating vegetables, leading to reduced production and unemployment.”
He further warned that contaminated soils have made it increasingly difficult to grow safe crops, posing a significant threat to food security and export markets.
VEPEAG estimates that Ghana could lose up to US$15million annually in foreign exchange due to reduced vegetable exports, a substantial blow to the country’s economy. The association fears that continued degradation could lead to a ban on Ghanaian vegetable exports in international markets – reminiscent of past restrictions imposed by the European Union due to quality concerns.
Dr. Kamassah called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to intervene directly, suggesting crisis meetings with key stakeholders including relevant ministries and security agencies to address the issue comprehensively. “President Akufo-Addo has the power to bring this menace to a halt. He must act now before it’s too late,” he urged.
To amplify their message, VEPEAG announced plans to join forces with other labour unions and agricultural associations in organising protests and demonstrations. They warned that failure to address their concerns promptly could lead to more drastic actions and consequences, including a potential halt of vegetable exports.
