The National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG) has sounded an urgent call for the government to tackle the destructive impact of illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as “galamsey,” to save the country’s fisheries sector.
NAFAG’s Vice Chairman, Richster Nii Amarh Amarfio, explained that galamsey is significantly contributing to the depletion of fish stocks due to its harmful effects on water bodies, which serve as crucial habitats for marine life.
According to Amarfio, rivers and inland water bodies, such as the Pra and Ankobra, are being polluted by toxic chemicals from mining activities.
These polluted water bodies eventually flow into the ocean, contaminating estuaries and mangrove ecosystems that are vital spawning grounds for fish. As a result, fish are driven away from coastal areas, and the destruction of these habitats threatens the long-term sustainability of fisheries.
NAFAG highlighted that while the government has been focused on curbing illegal fishing practices, the environmental degradation caused by galamsey has not received enough attention. The association stressed that protecting inland waters is directly linked to marine fisheries conservation, as the destruction of river habitats places additional pressure on marine stocks already under threat.
Additionally, Amarfio pointed out the broader environmental crisis affecting the fisheries sector, including waste mismanagement and the growing accumulation of plastic waste in the ocean. Fishermen frequently return with more plastic than fish, further exacerbating the challenges in the industry.
This pollution reduces the number of juvenile fish, which normally use coastal areas for protection against predators.
To address these issues, NAFAG suggests that the government adopt a holistic environmental management approach, incorporating measures like artificial reefs and closing spawning areas to allow fish populations to recover. Amarfio emphasized that improving environmental stewardship is essential if Ghana is to rebuild its fish stocks and ensure the viability of its fisheries sector.
The association’s call comes at a time when the fisheries sector is already struggling with numerous challenges, and addressing the galamsey menace could be a crucial step toward safeguarding the future of Ghana’s aquatic resources.
