The United Nations Association of Ghana (UNA-GH) is calling for immediate and decisive action from the government of President John Dramani Mahama and all relevant state agencies to halt the escalating environmental destruction caused by illegal small-scale mining, widely known as galamsey.
In a strongly worded statement released today, UNA-GH described the continued pollution of key water bodies—such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim rivers—and the degradation of arable lands as a national emergency.
The association warned that the crisis poses serious threats to public health, food security, and the long-term wellbeing of future generations.
“This environmental catastrophe demands more than promises; it requires tangible, sustainable, and enforced solutions,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the government’s previous efforts and commitments to address illegal mining, UNA-GH stressed that current interventions have fallen short. To support more effective outcomes, the Association proposed a three-pronged strategy based on successful models implemented in other African countries:
1. Formalization and Regulation of Artisanal Mining
UNA-GH recommends the accelerated formalization of artisanal miners into cooperatives, as practiced in Tanzania. Granting miners legal status would not only ensure adherence to environmental standards but also make monitoring and support mechanisms more effective.
2. Technology-Driven Surveillance
Taking a cue from Rwanda, the Association advocates the use of satellite and geospatial technologies to monitor mining activities in real time. Such tools, it says, would enable quicker response times and more effective enforcement.
3. Community-Based Natural Resource Management
Inspired by Burkina Faso’s model, UNA-GH suggests empowering local communities to manage and protect their own natural resources.
By granting legal rights and sharing regulated mining benefits with local populations, communities can become active partners in safeguarding the environment.
Beyond government intervention, the Association appealed to all Ghanaians—especially those involved in mining—to act responsibly.
It stressed that personal gain should not come at the cost of collective survival and urged citizens to report illegal mining activities and support sustainable livelihoods.
The Association also highlighted that Ghana’s current trajectory with galamsey undermines its commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15: Life on Land
UNA-GH reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with government institutions, traditional authorities, and civil society organizations to provide technical support and facilitate knowledge sharing.
“With strong political will, community engagement, and the adoption of proven practices from across Africa, Ghana can overcome the galamsey menace and safeguard its environment for generations to come,” the statement concluded.
Story By: Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
About The Author
