Accra, Ghana – September 18, 2024 – The Research Staff Association (RSA) and the Research Scientists Association (RSA) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) have issued a joint press statement, urging the government to take immediate action against the escalating crisis of illegal mining, commonly known as Galamsey, in Ghana.
The environmental impact of Galamsey is devastating, with almost all river systems, including the Pra, Daboase, Ankobra, and Offin, heavily polluted with toxic substances like mercury, cadmium, and lead ¹. This has rendered several water resources unusable for domestic purposes, affecting millions of Ghanaians. Deforestation and habitat destruction have led to the loss of biodiversity, with an estimated 50,000 hectares of forest destroyed annually.
Galamsey’s health implications are equally alarming. Potentially toxic elements associated with cancer and non-cancerous diseases have led to over 24,000 cancer cases annually. Mercury pollution is five times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits in some communities.
The socio-economic consequences are far-reaching, with farming communities displaced, livelihoods lost, and rural poverty exacerbated. The Ghana Water Company Limited faces significant challenges, and legitimate mining companies are withdrawing from certain regions due to instability.
The RSA and GAEC demand urgent government action, including: Immediate Suspension of Illegal Mining:
Suspend all illegal small-scale mining activities for at least a year to promote sustainable mining practices.
- Repeal of Environmental Protection Regulation*: Repeal the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022.
- Restoration of Degraded Lands and Water
Bodies: Initiate a national program for reclamation and restoration.
- Alternative Livelihoods*: Create jobs and provide vocational training for those involved in illegal mining.
The time for rhetoric has passed; urgent and sustained action is needed to address the Galamsey menace. The RSA and GAEC stand ready to collaborate with the government to find lasting solutions.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
