The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called for an immediate halt to the government’s community mining scheme, denouncing it as a facade for illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. The GMA’s Vice President, Professor Ernest Yorke, has voiced deep concerns over the destructive impact of illegal mining on major mining communities, emphasizing that much of this damage is occurring under the guise of the government’s community mining initiative.
In a recent interview with Nana Tuffour Boateng on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Professor Yorke underscored the urgent need for action to address the damage inflicted by these mining activities. He attributed the problem to inadequate supervision and a lack of proper regulatory enforcement, which has allowed illegal mining operations to flourish unchecked.
“The effect of this illegal mining on the environment is more health-related, and the health implications, if unchecked, are going to be dire and an existential threat to this country,” Professor Yorke warned. He expressed the GMA’s frustration over the continued environmental destruction, adding, “They [the government] introduced the community mining scheme, and for us, it is a euphemism to perpetuate the illegality because it is unchecked and is destroying the environment. So, let us take a halt and regroup to correct this damage.”
Illegal mining, or galamsey, has been a longstanding problem in Ghana, causing widespread environmental degradation, water pollution, deforestation, and loss of arable land. Despite various government efforts to combat illegal mining, including the introduction of the community mining scheme aimed at providing a more regulated and sustainable approach to small-scale mining, the GMA and other critics argue that the initiative has largely failed to curb illegal activities. Instead, they contend it has become a cover for continued environmental destruction and harm to public health.
The GMA, alongside several other health unions and associations, has taken a firm stand against all forms of small-scale mining, whether legal or illegal. On Friday, September 6, the associations jointly urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to impose an immediate ban on all small-scale mining operations in the country. They also called for stronger regulatory enforcement and the provision of resources to relevant security agencies to clamp down on illegal miners and ensure swift prosecution of offenders.
The health implications of illegal mining are particularly concerning for the GMA. Prof. Yorke highlighted that the chemicals used in illegal mining, such as mercury and cyanide, contaminate water sources and have severe health consequences for nearby communities. “The chemicals used in galamsey activities do not just harm the environment; they poison our water bodies, affect aquatic life, and end up in the food chain, posing serious health risks to Ghanaians,” he explained. These health risks include cancers, respiratory issues, skin diseases, and other long-term health problems, which can be devastating for both individuals and communities.
The GMA’s call for action reflects a broader sense of urgency among health professionals and environmental advocates in Ghana. With mining activities degrading water bodies, destroying farmlands, and threatening local livelihoods, the impact is felt most acutely in rural communities where access to clean water and healthcare services is already limited. “If we do not act now, the repercussions could be catastrophic,” Prof. Yorke stressed.
Moreover, there is growing concern about the socioeconomic impacts of illegal mining. Many communities have seen their farmlands destroyed, leading to food insecurity and loss of income for farmers. The contamination of rivers and water sources has also reduced access to safe drinking water, compounding public health issues. The GMA and other health associations believe that a total ban on small-scale mining operations is the only way to protect the health and well-being of Ghanaian citizens.
The call for a ban also aligns with recent efforts by other organizations and civil society groups to push for more sustainable and responsible mining practices. Critics of the community mining scheme argue that without strict regulation and oversight, the scheme will continue to fail in its original purpose of promoting safe and environmentally friendly mining practices. Instead, they call for more robust measures to ensure that all mining activities, whether large or small-scale, comply with national environmental standards and regulations.
The GMA’s plea to the government to ban all small-scale mining operations reflects a growing frustration with the perceived inadequacies in the fight against illegal mining. “The President of the Republic of Ghana should direct a total ban on small-scale mining operations with immediate effect, whether legal or illegal,” the health associations urged. They also demanded that “the relevant security agencies be resourced to clamp down on all persons who flout this directive and prosecute them expeditiously.”
As Ghana continues to grapple with the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, the debate over the future of mining, particularly small-scale and community mining, remains at the forefront of national discourse. The GMA’s strong stance underscores the need for decisive action to protect the environment and safeguard public health. Whether the government will heed this call and impose a total ban on small-scale mining remains to be seen, but the urgency and gravity of the situation demand immediate attention.
