The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Professor Michael Ayamga-Adongo, has hinted that Accra is now the hub for illegal mining activities.
According to Prof. Ayamga-Adongo, hinted that he intercepted intelligence that illegal mining activities are now being peddled at the household level in the country’s capital, Accra.
“I just got some disturbing news sometimes, that even in the cities of Accra, people now bring in rocks and other things, and then they are processing gold, even in the cities, in their homes and this could discharge mercury and other banned substances into the environment.”
Professor Ayamga-Adongo, Deputy CEO,EPA
This shift from rural to urban illegal mining has significant implications for the environment, as these illicit activities “could discharge mercury and other banned substances into the environment“.
In the concerning development of illegal mining otherwise referred to as “galamsey”, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s CEO has raised a very strong allegation over the growing trend of illegal mining activities taking place within the homes of Accra residents.
The disturbing revelation comes as the country continues to grapple with the longstanding challenge of galamsey which has devastated the nation’s natural resources.
Professor Ayamga-Adongo emphasized that the problem of illegal mining is not limited to the forests, where galamsey activities have traditionally taken place. “It is not just the forest that is being destroyed. We all have to be vigilant,” he stressed.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana is the primary government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing environmental laws, including those related to mining activities.
The agency has been at the forefront in terms of the fight against galamsey, which has been a persistent challenge for the country, leading to the degradation of water bodies, deforestation, and environmental destruction.
Institutional Capacity
Professor Ayamga-Adongo also emphasized the need to improve access to legal mining and strengthen the EPA’s capacity to regulate even legally permitted mining entities.
“We need to expand our reach and make sure that every district you go, you have an EPA office there, and our officers can keep things on track.”
Professor Ayamga-Adongo, Deputy CEO,EPA
To achieve this, the Deputy CEO called on the Deputy Minister of Finance to get the Authority the necessary resources.
This expansion of the EPA’s presence and enforcement capabilities across the country is crucial in addressing the growing threat of illegal mining, both in rural and urban areas.
“So I want to urge again, I travel back with the Deputy Minister of Finance, I mentioned this to him in the plane, I want to call on him that he should get us the authorisation to buy vehicles so that we can power these offices”
Professor Ayamga-Adongo, Deputy CEO,EPA
Mindsets and Shared Responsibility
Professor Ayamga-Adongo further highlighted the importance of shifting the mindset towards a shared responsibility in addressing the challenge of illegal mining.
“We cannot solve our problems with the mindsets we have when we created them. So we need to change our thinking. We can’t solve them with the thinking that it is one person’s responsibility to stop illegal mining.”
Professor Ayamga-Adongo, Deputy CEO,EPA
He emphasized that the responsibility extends beyond the government and law enforcement agencies, stating, “When activities around us, polluting our waters and endangering all of us, and we think it is convenient to blame the president, the presidency or your home is an extension of the presidency. And we need to see that as our responsibility.”
Professor Ayamga-Adongo insisted on his unwavering dedication to addressing the challenge of illegal mining.
“I’m not afraid to put my integrity on the line that will stop Galamsey,” he vowed.
This determination to tackle the issue head-on, coupled with the EPA’s efforts to expand its reach and enforcement capabilities, underscores the agency’s resolve to protect Ghana’s natural resources and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.
While nation continues to battle with the multifaceted challenge of illegal mining, the EPA’s call for a collective, action-oriented approach, and the willingness to hold all stakeholders accountable, will be crucial in paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for generations.
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