Executive Director of the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI), Mr. Peter Bismark Kwofie, has opined that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is no longer an environmental or criminal issue but a national development crisis.
The policy analyst argues that the canker, which has become difficult to tackle, is undermining governance, economic sustainability, and public health.
He opined that we need a more comprehensive approach in dealing with the canker, considering that all the various efforts used in the past yielded no results.
”A coherent national strategy will integrate enforcement, alternative livelihoods, community participation, and environmental restoration—transforming galamsey from a destructive activity into an opportunity for sustainable development.”
Mr. Kwofie lamented that “galamsey has devastated Ghana’s rivers, forests, and farmlands, contaminating water with mercury and cyanide.” He continued, “Without a coordinated plan, the country risks losing its freshwater resources and agricultural potential.”
He added that the illegal activity has also
polluted rivers and soils, exposing communities to toxic chemicals, leading to long-term health crises (cancers, kidney failures, neurological disorders).
In his view, illegal mining is still ongoing because of the involvement of politicians, weak enforcement, and corruption.
He stated that “Ghana urgently requires a comprehensive blueprint to combat galamsey because illegal mining has evolved from a localized activity into a national development threat.
Ultimately, the fight against galamsey must move from reactionary campaigns to a structured, long-term plan that balances enforcement with sustainable development and protects the future of the nation”.
Read his full statement below
Ghana Needs a Comprehensive Blueprint to Fight “Galamsey” (Illegal Mining)
Galamsey is no longer just an environmental or criminal issue, but a national development crisis undermining governance, economic sustainability, and public health. Over the years, fragmented, ad-hoc responses have failed. A coherent national strategy will integrate enforcement, alternative livelihoods, community participation, and environmental restoration—transforming galamsey from a destructive activity into an opportunity for sustainable development.
Why a Blueprint is needed
Environmental Security:
Galamsey has devastated Ghana’s rivers, forests, and farmlands, contaminating water with mercury and cyanide. Without a coordinated plan, the country risks losing its freshwater resources and agricultural potential.
Public Health:
Polluted rivers and soils expose communities to toxic chemicals, leading to long-term health crises (cancers, kidney failures, neurological disorders). A blueprint ensures preventive and responsive health strategies.
Economic Protection:
While galamsey creates short-term income, it destroys long-term wealth in agriculture, tourism, and sustainable mining. A structured plan can redirect resources into formal, revenue-generating mining and alternative livelihoods.
Governance and Rule of Law:
Galamsey thrives because of political interference, weak enforcement, and corruption. A blueprint provides institutional clarity—outlining roles, timelines, accountability mechanisms, and penalties that are transparent and enforceable.
Social Stability:
Youth unemployment fuels illegal mining, but unchecked galamsey also causes violent conflicts between miners, communities, and security forces. This is evident in the recent clashes between the security forces and community member. A national framework can balance enforcement with job creation, preventing insecurity.
Ghana urgently requires a comprehensive blueprint to combat galamsey because illegal mining has evolved from a localized activity into a national development threat.
Ultimately, the fight against galamsey must move from reactionary campaigns to a structured, long-term plan that balances enforcement with sustainable development and protects the future of the nation.
Remember, we cannot do the same thing over and over and expect different results.
#barrierremovers
#freedom
#ilapi
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
