Environmentalist, Dr George Manful of the Frimpong Manso Institute has raised concerns about the increasing dominance of greed and the “get rich quick” mentality among Ghanaians which is depicted in the way illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey is destroying the environment, as people choose money over a safe environment for future generations.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, September 9, Dr Manful highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining activities on Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies, which continue to suffer extensive damage despite numerous efforts to curb the practice.
“Many people now find small-scale galamsey operations more lucrative than the various poverty reduction measures being implemented across the country,” he 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 Manful lamented the fact that, although Ghana is blessed with vast reserves of gold and other precious minerals, the current methods of mining are a cause for serious concern.
“There is little regard for environmental protection or the well-being of local communities. The reckless manner in which gold is being mined today threatens both our environment and human lives.”
He pointed out that Ghana has a long history of gold mining, stretching back centuries, but noted that the scale and nature of galamsey today are unprecedented.
One of the driving forces behind this surge in illegal mining, according to Dr Manful, is the soaring price of gold, which currently stands at approximately $2,500 per ounce.
Galamsey Menace: Mercury can remain in water for 1,000 years
Dr George Manful also raised urgent concerns about the dangerous use of mercury in illegal mining highlighting its severe impact on both human health and the environment.
The former staff of Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explained that miners are using one to two grams of mercury to extract just one gram of gold. “While not all small-scale miners use mercury, the scale of the problem is alarming. Ghana’s small-scale mining sector produces over 1.2 million ounces of gold annually—around 34 metric tons. This means we are potentially introducing up to 30 tons of mercury into our water systems.”
Source: Mavis Sekyibea Addo
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