Galamsey remains a major concern due to the destruction of water bodies in several areas of the country, particularly in the Ashanti Region.
Certified Sustainability and Climate Risk professional, Professor Francis Atsu, has called on the government to declare illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, a national threat and impose a state of national emergency.
In an interview on May 12, Prof Atsu warns that failure to address this issue could lead to severe environmental and economic consequences.
He expressed concern about the negative impact on farmlands, as farmers are forced to sell their land due to lucrative offers from illegal miners. This results in reduced farm yields, increased importation, and higher food prices.
According to Prof Atsu, “When it comes to galamsey, it’s what we call enterprise change behavior. A farmer who has spent years cultivating cocoa might be tempted to sell their land if offered a substantial amount of money. I think the nation should declare the galamsey issue a national threat and national emergency, and take decisive action.”
He cautioned that if the issue is not addressed urgently, it could escalate into a full-blown menace, similar to the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.
“I think the nation should declare the galamsey issue as a national threat and national emergency, so we go all out. The way we are playing with it, the same thing happened in Nigeria where Boko Haram started in several areas of Nigeria. They played with it and now it has now become a full-blown menace. So, if we don’t declare this as a national emergency, then whatever strategy we put in may not work.”
Despite efforts to combat galamsey, including security personnel burning excavators and arresting illegal miners, the menace persists, leaving many wondering if it will ever be brought under control.
