Rev. Father Dr. Joseph Blay, a Catholic priest in the Aowin municipality of the Western North region, has described illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as a recipe of killing.
According to him, many people mistakenly believe galamsey is a source of livelihood, yet it silently destroys lives and communities over time.
Speaking at a gathering of the Aowin Traditional Council on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Father Blay lamented that communities that allow illegal mining now face severe health and environmental challenges, including kidney failures and child deformities.
He explained that galamsey activities have polluted rivers, degraded farmlands, and contaminated the air, leaving residents without clean water or fertile land for farming.
He noted that although galamsey initially raises living standards, it later leads to school dropouts and long-term poverty. Citing research, he revealed that the Aowin municipality is the second poorest in the Western North region and ranks 198th nationwide despite being rich in natural resources.
Communities such as Amonia, Kwawu, Sewuam, and Achinfour, where galamsey thrives, are now struggling with poverty, while those that rejected illegal mining are progressing, with their children in school and having stable livelihoods.
Father Blay urged the Aowin Traditional Council and stakeholders to unite and fight against the menace, emphasizing that this is not a time for blame game but for collective action to save the land and its people.
Nana Beyeeman Tano Kwaw Benbuin, Omanhene of the Aowin Traditional Area, who was present at the event, commended the priest for his bold message on the harmful effects of galamsey.
He stressed the need for traditional leaders to come together to protect forest reserves and water bodies. Nana Benbuin also expressed optimism that when galamsey is eradicated, legitimate investors will be encouraged to undertake responsible, commercial mining in the area.
He praised the government for revoking the Legislative Instrument (LI) that permitted entry into forest reserves for mining activities but lamented that political interference continues to weaken traditional authority. He encouraged Father Blay to keep speaking out, noting that as a priest, his voice carries moral weight above partisan politics.
Nana Benbuin further highlighted that galamsey has contributed to social vices such as drug abuse, gambling, prostitution, teenage pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. He appealed to all citizens to support the ongoing fight against illegal mining for the sake of the future.
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