Five built environment professional bodies have joined the advocacy for the immediate ban on ‘galamsey‘ and other forms of mining activities in the country. 

The bodies namely Ghana Institute of Architects, Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ghana Institution of Surveyors, Ghana Institute of Planners and Institute of Engineering Technology-Ghana have said they deem the canker as a national security concern. 

Noting “galamsey” has been with us for centuries, they however said the current practice of destroying water bodies and forest reserves amounts to indiscipline of the parties involved.

In a jointly signed statement, they stressed these activities have reached alarming proportions in Ghana, posing severe threats to our nation’s existence, environment,  wildlife, and public health.

“This destructive activity, marked by unregulated and hazardous  methods in the full glare of politicians, government officials, chiefs and unscrupulous  citizens, is causing unprecedented damage to the entire nation and requires immediate  attention and action by government hence the call for a total ban. We deem galamsey a NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERN,” parts of the statement read.

The galamsey crisis from their professional standpoint, highlights the profound challenges facing Ghana’s land use and environmental management systems.

“In many cases, weak  land use controls, coupled with inadequate enforcement of mining regulations, have  allowed unregulated miners to operate in ways that harm ecosystems, agricultural  productivity, and the health of the citizenry.

“It must be noted that the prevalence of illegal mining depicts the structural and institutional deficiencies confronting the Ghanaian societies,” the statement added.

Proposing temporary solutions, the body has called for enhanced monitoring and enforcement of mining regulations.

“The Environmental Protection  Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission of Ghana must intensify their efforts.  These authorities should collaborate with both the Police and Military. As a matter of  urgency, the activities of regulatory bodies should be depoliticised.

“Government should launch comprehensive reforestation and land rehabilitation projects to restore ecosystems  damaged by illegal mining, especially in forest reserves. This should be done with  wider consultation with the professional bodies. We do not need any WORLD BANK  prescribed solution,” the group noted.

They have also urged government to seek technical support from professional bodies and also hold chiefs, community leaders and politicians accountable for the devastation.

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 Read the full statement below: