The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Ghana has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, on the country’s environment.

IET Ghana President, Henry Kwadwo Boateng, has urged the government to impose a total ban on small-scale mining and galamsey activities to prevent further ecological catastrophe.

“The rate of environmental degradation is alarming,” Engr. Boateng stressed in an interview with Adom News.

“We need to put a halt to it. The current situation is unsustainable, and we’re poisoning our land, waters, and lives.”

Galamsey has ravaged Ghana’s forests, polluted water sources, and left communities vulnerable to health risks.

The IET Ghana president emphasized that a comprehensive audit of the damaged areas and a strategic plan to combat the menace are long overdue.

Engr. Boateng commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo, for taking bold action against chiefs involved in galamsey, calling for more decisive measures, including destooling paramount chiefs.

He also underscored the critical role traditional authorities and local communities must play in reporting and preventing environmental destruction.

The built environment professionals, comprising architects, surveyors, engineers, and planners, are united in their call for a ban. “Other countries mine successfully without destroying their environment. What are they doing that we’re not?” Engr. Boateng asked.

With the country’s elections looming, Engr. Boateng cautioned against politicizing the issue. “This is not about politics; it’s about getting things done right, and it must be now.”