The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) have issued an urgent appeal to the government of Ghana to take swift and decisive action against the escalating illegal mining (galamsey) crisis that is ravaging the country’s environment.
In a joint statement, both organizations expressed deep concerns over the severe pollution of water bodies, deforestation, and public health risks associated with illegal mining activities. Rivers such as Pra, Ankobra, and Offin have been heavily contaminated with hazardous chemicals like mercury and lead, making them unsafe for millions of Ghanaians who rely on these resources for drinking water.
The CSIR and GAEC emphasized the devastating consequences of galamsey on both human health and biodiversity, with over 50,000 hectares of forest lost annually and increasing rates of cancer attributed to the toxic substances released by illegal miners.
They called on the government to immediately halt all illegal small-scale mining activities for a minimum of one year to allow for the introduction of sustainable, eco-friendly mining practices, which would not only protect the environment but also help formalize the sector.
In addition to environmental destruction, the statement stressed the economic strain illegal mining has placed on Ghana’s water treatment facilities. The Ghana Water Company has faced serious challenges, including increased operational costs and frequent interruptions in supply due to the pollution caused by galamsey operations.
The need for stronger government action is further accentuated by the rising mercury levels in mining communities, which are far above World Health Organization limits.
CSIR and GAEC have also called for the repeal of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022 (L.I. 2462), which permits mining within forest reserves under certain conditions.
They argue that the regulation has exacerbated the environmental crisis by allowing miners to encroach on protected areas. Environmentalists and conservationists have long expressed concern over the detrimental impact of this policy on Ghana’s rich biodiversity.
Moreover, the organizations urged Parliament and other stakeholders to collaborate on science-driven solutions that can address the crisis sustainably. They recommend investing in research to promote safer mining practices and developing policies that protect both the environment and the livelihoods of affected communities. This includes creating alternative employment opportunities for those in mining areas.
The appeal from CSIR and GAEC comes amid mounting pressure from civil society groups and labour organizations, who have also demanded immediate action from the government. Failure to address the galamsey menace, they warn, could cause food insecurity and other health issues.
