Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener for the Media Coalition against Illegal Mining, has expressed deep concern over the lack of political commitment in combating galamsey, the term for illegal mining in Ghana. Speaking on June 19, Dr.Ashigbey highlighted the severe environmental impact, revealing that 100 hectares of land are being destroyed daily by illegal miners in the Jomoro district of the Western Region.
Dr. Ashigbey noted that illegal mining is a significant factor in the dramatic decline of Ghana’s cocoa production, which has plummeted by nearly 40 percent between 2023 and 2024. He warned that the irreversible damage inflicted on cocoa farms in these communities threatens the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.
“It is a shame that our cocoa farms are being encroached upon for galamsey activities. Where did we go wrong in the fight against illegal mining? The ordinary Ghanaian is suffering,” Dr. Ashigbey lamented. He called on all stakeholders, including traditional authorities, to intensify efforts in the battle against this destructive practice.
Source : sankofaonline.com
