In a recent interview, environmentalist Dr. George Manful of the Frimpong Manso Institute has expressed deep concerns over the growing greed and “get rich quick” mentality that has gripped many Ghanaians.
This culture is starkly reflected in the ongoing illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, which are causing significant damage to the environment, especially to the country’s water bodies.
Speaking on Monday, September 9, Dr. Manful highlighted the dangerous impact of galamsey, emphasizing that despite numerous efforts to combat the practice, illegal mining continues to thrive.
He noted that the destruction of the environment is a result of individuals prioritizing immediate financial gain over the long-term well-being of future generations.
“Many people now find small-scale galamsey operations more lucrative than the various poverty reduction measures being implemented across the country,” Dr. Manful explained.
“This get-rich-quick mindset is pervasive, with powerful individuals, including landowners, opinion leaders, some chiefs, foreigners, senior public officers, and political actors, all playing a part in these illegal activities.
“The result is the widespread destruction of our natural resources, particularly our water bodies.”
Dr. George Manful, Environmentalist at the Frimpong Manso Institute
Dr. Manful expressed particular concern about the destruction of water bodies as a result of illegal mining. He stated that rivers, once vital sources of clean water for communities, are now heavily polluted and undrinkable.
The Ankobra, Pra, and Birim rivers are just a few of the major waterways affected by galamsey activities.
“The water in these rivers is so turbid that it is undrinkable. Villagers are forced to consume water that looks like chocolate milk, which is deeply troubling.”
Dr. George Manful, Environmentalist at the Frimpong Manso Institute
The environmentalist emphasized that these water bodies are critical to the survival of many rural communities. However, the unchecked mining operations, which are driven by powerful individuals and foreign interests, have turned once pristine water sources into toxic rivers that threaten the health of nearby populations.
Mercury Poisoning: A Hidden Threat
One of Dr. Manful’s most urgent concerns revolves around the use of mercury in illegal mining operations. Mercury is widely used to separate gold from ore during the extraction process, but its effects on the environment and human health are severe.
“The use of mercury in water bodies, which people depend on for drinking and daily activities, is extremely dangerous. Mercury can remain in water for up to 1,000 years. Its half-life in the environment is 444 years, meaning it persists for a very long time.”
Dr. George Manful, Environmentalist at the Frimpong Manso Institute
He went on to explain that illegal miners typically use one to two grams of mercury to extract a single gram of gold.
Given that Ghana’s small-scale mining sector produces over 1.2 million ounces of gold annually—equivalent to about 34 metric tons—Dr. Manful estimated that up to 30 tons of mercury are potentially being introduced into Ghana’s water systems every year.
“Mercury contamination is evident in river sediments and accumulates in fish. People who consume these fish or drink the contaminated water are at risk,” he said.
Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, can have devastating effects on human health, particularly on the brain and nervous system. Long-term exposure can lead to neurological disorders, kidney damage, and, in extreme cases, death.
Furthermore, mercury can enter the food chain through crops grown with contaminated water, amplifying its toxic impact across entire communities. Dr. Manful warned that the country is “slowly poisoning” itself and called for immediate action to address the issue.
One of the key factors contributing to the rise in galamsey activities, according to Dr. Manful, is the soaring price of gold on the global market, which currently stands at around $2,500 per ounce. With such high prices, many individuals and groups are drawn to the illegal trade, prioritizing profit over the protection of the environment.
Dr. Manful acknowledged that Ghana has a long history of gold mining, stretching back centuries. However, he noted that the scale and nature of illegal mining today are unprecedented, posing a far greater threat to the country’s natural resources than ever before.
Despite the grim picture, Dr. Manful remained hopeful that the galamsey issue can be addressed. He urged the government, civil society, and ordinary citizens to take bold action to curb illegal mining and mitigate its effects on the environment.
“We can solve this problem if we are committed to taking action,” he said. However, he warned that if mercury continues to be used and remains in the environment for centuries, Ghana could face even more severe consequences in the future.
The environmentalist called on stakeholders to prioritize environmental protection and to enforce laws that prohibit illegal mining. He also stressed the importance of educating miners and the public about the dangers of mercury and the need for sustainable mining practices that protect both people and the environment.
“The health risks are too great, and the consequences too severe, for us to ignore this problem any longer. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to act now.”
Dr. George Manful, Environmentalist at the Frimpong Manso Institute
In the face of this growing environmental crisis, Dr. Manful’s words served as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for responsible mining practices and a shift away from the damaging greed that fuels galamsey in Ghana.
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