A Professor at the University of Ghana School of Law, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, has expressed concerns that Ghana's efforts to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey, are yielding financial benefits but failing to address the environmental and public health consequences. According to him, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has made significant strides in formalising gold trading and improving the country's foreign exchange earnings.
Professor Appiagyei-Atua acknowledged the government's efforts through the National Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Illegal Mining (NIMOS), which has led to the removal of illegal mining operators and undertaken reclamation exercises. He also welcomed the government's decision to repeal the legislative instrument that permitted mining in forest reserves, describing it as a positive step towards addressing the issue.
However, Professor Appiagyei-Atua noted that the financial gains cannot be the sole measure of success in the fight against galamsey. He expressed concerns that some of the government's claims about progress in the fight were not supported by sufficient evidence, while available environmental data presented a worrying picture.
Citing figures from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Professor Appiagyei-Atua revealed that about 60 per cent of Ghana's water bodies were polluted. This situation is further complicated by the high cost of treating polluted water, with Ghana Water Limited estimating that up to 50 per cent of water could be lost during treatment, compared with the normal rate of about five per cent.
The professor also raised concerns about the potential health consequences of exposure to contaminants associated with illegal mining. He referred to research involving more than 40,000 placental samples being analysed by researchers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), as well as concerns about miscarriages and other health complications in communities affected by galamsey.
Professor Appiagyei-Atua stated that while GoldBod may be making some impact in terms of revenue positives and ensuring that the cedi is stabilised, Ghana is losing the environmental war. He emphasized that the government needs to do more to address the environmental and health impacts of galamsey.
The professor made these remarks on Accra-based JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, October 31. His comments highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of galamsey in Ghana, one that balances financial gains with environmental and health considerations.
Key points
- Ghana's water bodies are heavily polluted due to galamsey, with 60% affected.
- The high cost of treating polluted water is a significant challenge, with up to 50% of water lost during treatment.
- The environmental and health impacts of galamsey remain a major concern, with research indicating significant health complications in affected communities.
