In the midst of the heightened national conversation on the menace of illegal mining, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is demanding an immediate ban on the canker citing serious economic consequences.
UTAG among other consequences reveals the Ghanaian economy is currently losing US$2.3 billion annually due to the devastating impact of illegal mining widely known as galamsey.
The Association in a statement also painted a gloomy picture of how illegal mining activities are destroying the country’s forest reserves, farmlands, rivers, and natural ecosystems. In addition to the economic costs, cocoa production which has been the backbone of the country’s economy is estimated to decline by 45% this year which is expected to lead to a reduction in foreign exchange exposing the cedi to pressures.
It is also estimated that over 2.5 million hectares of Ghana’s forest cover have been ravaged by the menace while the water security of the country stands at risk.
“Ghana may be forced to import potable water within six years. Cocoa productivity, once a cornerstone of our dear economy, has declined by 45% this year. Experts estimate that illegal mining costs the economy $2.3 billion annually. The Forestry Commission reports that over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover have been permanently destroyed,” the statement from UTAG copied to The High Street Journal said.
Aside from the economic costs, UTAG did not leave out the health consequences of the menace leading to a surge in respiratory disease reported in the country’s health facilities.
“The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has identified a 35% rise in respiratory diseases in mining areas. The situation correlates very well with high levels of particulate matter and harmful chemical toxins such as mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, etc found in water bodies, soils, and food in these mining areas,” the statement added.
Given the economic, health, and environmental devastation caused by galamsey, UTAG is urgently demanding an immediate ban on all forms of small-scale mining.
UTAG says, “The time for action is now. All forms of small-scale mining must be banned immediately.”
The association further states that should the government fail to act by the end of September 2024, it will join forces with other labor unions and embark on nationwide industrial action to compel authorities to address the menace of illegal mining.
“If this is not done by the end of September 2024, we will embark on a nationwide industrial action,” UTAG declared.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, last week pledged immediate government action to combat illegal mining following increasing concerns over the environmental damage and water shortages caused by the practice.
Mr. Jinapor has also refuted claims that the government had relaxed its efforts in the fight against galamsey. He announced an emergency meeting would be convened, with a heightened security presence to be deployed in affected areas.
“We are preparing to intensify enforcement. Expect a major operation soon, particularly in the Central Region, to clamp down on illegal miners,” Jinapor said during an interview.
