The destructive effects of illegal mining, or galamsey, continue to dominate national conversation, and the government says it is listening. Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has assured Ghanaians that their concerns are not being ignored.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, September 15, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the government takes seriously the outcry over the pollution of water bodies, destruction of farmlands, and long-term environmental damage. “Government fully appreciates the genuine concerns people have expressed on galamsey, and these are not matters we take lightly,” he said.
He explained that beyond the immediate destruction, galamsey poses a severe threat to food security and public health. With rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin increasingly contaminated with mercury and other chemicals, communities that depend on these water sources face dire consequences. Farmers have also complained about losing fertile lands to illegal mining pits, making it difficult to sustain agricultural production.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that while interventions are ongoing, the challenge cannot be tackled by the government alone. “We cannot pretend it is an easy fight, but what we can assure Ghanaians is that the government has not lost sight of its duty to protect lives, livelihoods, and the environment,” he explained.
Calling for collective responsibility, the Minister urged citizens to support existing measures and resist political interference. “We must all rally behind the measures being implemented. The survival of our water bodies and farmlands cannot be compromised,” he stressed.
The Communications Minister further warned that failure to act decisively against galamsey will have devastating consequences for generations to come, as the damage to the environment could take decades to repair.
