By Gloria Amoh
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association(GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour says in the mining communities, law and order are crumbling under the weight of impunity with associated human rights abuses.
Speaking at the Media Coalition Against Galamsey at the Press Center today September 11, 2024, Mr. Albert Dwumfour explained that illegal mining in Ghana, known as “galamsey,” has caused severe environmental devastation, leading to the shutdown of water treatment facilities. Communities near the Densu River, a vital source of water for Accra, are suffering due to the pollution of rivers once critical for survival. Rivers like the Ankobra, Birim, Pra, and Tano are now contaminated, posing severe health risks to those reliant on these water sources.
He highlighted that, environmental destruction extends to forest reserves such as the Atiwa Forest, where illegal miners are tearing apart ecosystems with impunity. Communities like Osino and Konongo have been particularly affected, with lives lost due to unsafe mining practices. “A pregnant woman died in 2023, and another man lost his life in 2024 in mining-related accidents”.
He pointed out that, to environmental damage, vital infrastructure in regions like Ayinam, Enchi, and parts of the Western Region is at risk of collapse. The situation has escalated to the point where armed illegal miners recently chased away a government enforcement team, highlighting the undermining of national security and the increasing boldness of illegal miners.
He underscored that cocoa farms, a crucial part of Ghana’s economy, are also being destroyed in regions like Sendu and Jirabanso. The polluted rivers and poisoned farmlands are slowly exposing the population to severe health risks, including heavy metal contamination, which could lead to brain, kidney, and reproductive issues.
Additionally, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour mentioned that civil society organizations and coalitions, led by the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, are demanding urgent action. They are calling on the government to declare a state of emergency, halt mining activities within river buffers, and cancel all mining permits in protected forest areas. These groups are also urging presidential candidates to support the fight against illegal mining to prevent further environmental and human loss.
