The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has issued an urgent call to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, urging immediate action to address the escalating issue of illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey. The Federation warns that without swift intervention, the country could face a severe socio-economic and environmental crisis.
Kenneth Koomson, Deputy Secretary General of the GFL, highlighted the detrimental impacts of galamsey during an interview on the Point of View (PoV). He pointed out the significant environmental damage caused by these illegal mining activities, including deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. Koomson emphasized that these activities not only threaten the livelihoods of local communities but also pose significant risks to public health and the nation’s long-term economic stability.
Koomson called for comprehensive and decisive measures to combat the menace of galamsey, stressing the urgency of the situation. “We considered that this is the appropriate time for us to come together to call on the president to do that which is just, that which is constitutional, that which is honest, and that which saves Ghana from imminent collapse, destruction, and decimation of the people who live here,” Koomson stated. He added that failure to act could also lead to civil disorder as a result of the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining.
Koomson warned that the effects of galamsey have reached a critical point where immediate action is required to prevent further damage. “If we don’t take drastic or quick measures, swift action to get into this argument, get government, President to act quickly, a time is coming when we will lose all the lands, our livelihood, our survival, everything that the Ghanaian lives for would have been destroyed by this galamsey,” he said.
The GFL’s call comes amid growing concerns over the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining across the country. Galamsey activities have been linked to the destruction of vast areas of forest and farmland, contamination of rivers and water bodies, and displacement of local communities. The consequences of these activities have also led to increased health problems, such as respiratory diseases and waterborne illnesses, due to polluted water sources and poor air quality.
The Federation’s plea to President Akufo-Addo reflects the growing frustration and alarm among many Ghanaians over the government’s perceived lack of action to tackle the galamsey problem. Despite numerous promises and initiatives, illegal mining continues to thrive, causing extensive damage to the country’s natural resources and undermining its development prospects.
The GFL’s urgent call for intervention highlights the need for a coordinated and sustained effort to address the root causes of galamsey, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to legitimate economic opportunities in mining areas. It also underscores the importance of strengthening law enforcement, improving regulatory frameworks, and enhancing community engagement in the fight against illegal mining.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the GFL warns that the government must act decisively to avoid a full-blown crisis that could have far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s socio-economic stability and environmental sustainability. The Federation is calling on all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector, to work together to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to address the galamsey menace and protect the country’s natural resources for future generations.
