Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has criticized the government for its perceived failure to take effective action against “galamsey” — the term for illegal small-scale mining that has plagued the nation’s environmental and public health.
His criticism arrives amid renewed concerns that, despite previous promises by President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration to end the destructive practice, galamsey remains rampant, inflicting profound damage on the nation’s water bodies, land, and communities.
“What is the president going to leave behind in this situation we find ourselves in?” he asked, underscoring the urgency of the crisis.
According to Dr. Ashigbey, the failure to significantly curb galamsey activities is poisoning Ghana’s land and water resources, endangering ecosystems and human health alike.
The government’s reaffirmation of its commitment to combat illegal mining earlier this year raised public expectations. Yet, Dr. Ashigbey contended that the efforts have been largely symbolic and ineffective.
Despite high-profile raids and arrests of illegal miners, the environmental devastation caused by galamsey persists. Rivers and streams, which serve as crucial water sources, are polluted with heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic, posing a serious risk to both public health and agricultural productivity.
Dr. Ashigbey xpressed frustration with the lack of response from Ghana Water, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) when pressed for information regarding the impact of galamsey on the safety of drinking water.
“We’ve written to Ghana Water asking them to confirm whether the water they’re providing is safe and within acceptable limits for heavy metals.
“Ghana Water says they’ve sent samples to be tested, but we’re still waiting. We don’t even have a formal response from them.”
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey
The uncertainty over water safety underscores the broad impact of galamsey on Ghana’s citizens, who risk exposure to contaminated water daily.
According to Dr. Ashigbey, proactive action is desperately needed, and without it, communities remain vulnerable to health risks tied to galamsey-related pollution.
Press Under Siege
Adding to his list of grievances, Dr. Ashigbey highlighted the recent attack on Joy News journalist Erastus Asare Donkor, who has been vocal in covering the galamsey crisis.
According to Dr. Ashigbey, the attack on Donkor and his team by armed thugs during their investigation represents a serious affront to press freedom in Ghana.
“How is it that a journalist, who has been at the forefront of fighting this particular crime, has been attacked and we don’t have anything happening to this issue? The criminals are still walking free.”
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey
This incident has raised broader concerns about the safety of journalists covering sensitive topics, particularly those that involve illegal but lucrative activities.
In response to the perceived inertia, Dr. Ashigbey called for a joint force of stakeholders, including the police, Ministry of the Interior, and Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to be held accountable.
He envisioned a coalition of government agencies, civil society organizations, and community members working in unison to combat illegal mining effectively.
“We need to mobilize all relevant stakeholders,” he stated, asserting that without collective action, the fight against galamsey would remain an uphill battle.
Dr. Ashigbey also emphasized that this mobilization should not be delayed by the political calendar, noting that both presidential and parliamentary candidates should take clear stances on illegal mining in their campaigns.
“It doesn’t matter how close the election is. If we’re destroying the lands we have, we need to ask ourselves, what are we leaving for our descendants?” he questioned, underscoring the generational impact of unchecked galamsey.
With the Media Coalition Against Galamsey at the forefront, Dr. Ashigbey pledged that his organization would continue pressuring candidates and officials, regardless of political affiliations, to prioritize the fight against galamsey.
He called for a clear action plan, with measurable results and timelines, to tackle the crisis head-on and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
