The General Secretary of the Ghana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Edward Kareweh has raised alarm over the severe environmental and agricultural damage inflicted by the activities and operations of illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.

Mr Kareweh, in expressing disappointment over the inability of the government to combat the activities of illegal mining in the country, underscored that the growing crisis threatens Ghana’s rich biodiversity.

He also added that the activities of illegal mining are gradually jeopardizing the livelihood of farmers and the health of communities in affected regions.

He condemned the encroachment of illegal miners on riverbanks and water bodies, a practice that according to him has led to significant environmental degradation in most farming communities across the country.

“The river banks are not encroached on by farmers but by galamseyers. They even go into the middle of the river to mount their equipment, looting everything and killing aquatic life”.
Edward Kareweh, General Secretary GAWU

Describing the situation as “environmental genocide”, the General Secretary of the Ghana Agricultural Workers Union, Mr Kareweh painted a grim picture of the long-term consequences of the activities of illegal mining in the country.

He recounted that when the Ghana Agricultural Workers Union visited some of the selected farming communities where illegal mining activities are prevalent, it discovered a very horrible development.

Mr Kyereweh emphasized that the activities of illegal mining have destroyed most river bodies and streams that used to be used by inhabitants of most communities in many parts of the country.

“When we go to those areas we go with our sachet and bottled water which we call mineral water and drink. What about our friends the insects, the grasshoppers, the snacks, and other living organisms that go to the river to drink?.
“When they drink that water they will die just like when we drink that water we will die. So we are killing them permanently and we are also destroying the forest which used to be good habitant. So it’s just the environmental genocide we are committing and that will bite all of us back”
Edward Kareweh, General Secretary, GAWU

Impact of “Galamsey on Human Health and Agriculture

Moreover, the General Secretary of the Ghana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU, Edward Kareweh asserted that the impact of illegal mining activities extends beyond environmental destruction, affecting human health and agricultural productivity.

He recounted that recent research findings indicate an alarming rise in birth defects among children born in areas where illegal mining activities are alarming and predominant.

He emphasized that the disturbing trend highlights the urgent need for intervention to protect the most vulnerable populations.

Mr Kareweh also drew attention to the plight of farmers, whose lands are increasingly being encroached upon by “galamsey” operations, emphasizing that the alarming encroachment of farming lands by illegal miners poses a significant threat to food security, as it limits the ability of farmers to cultivate crops and sustain their livelihoods.

In a passionate plea, Mr Edward Kareweh called on the government to take decisive action to combat the activities of illegal mining across the country, which is extremely affecting many things including food production in the country.

He emphasized that, failure on the part of the government to combat the activities of illegal mining will breed severe and long-lasting environmental and economic repercussions for the country.

He, among several recommendations, called for the need for a coordinated response that includes stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, support for affected communities, and sustainable alternatives for those involved in the activities of illegal mining in the country.