The Movement for the Advancement of Sustainable Development in Africa (MASDA) has renewed calls for urgent action against illegal Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM), commonly known as galamsey, citing its devastating impact on Ghana’s environment.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Atik Mohammed, MASDA expressed deep concern over the destruction of forests and pollution of water bodies caused by illegal mining.
The group warned that galamsey threatens Ghana’s climate change mitigation efforts and undermines key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to MASDA, despite repeated calls last year for the government to act decisively, little was done to curb the spread of illegal mining.
The organization insists that winning the fight against galamsey requires strong political will and commitment.
“As the new government is being formed, we have had reports—and believe them to be credible—that galamsey activities are intensifying in many mining regions. Therefore, we are renewing our calls for immediate and decisive action on the galamsey menace,” the statement read.
To tackle the issue, MASDA outlined several proposals, including:
- An immediate halt to all ASM activities by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
- Making the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) the lead agency in the fight against galamsey.
- Conducting an environmental audit of all mining districts.
- Developing a comprehensive plan to prevent further environmental destruction and reclaim degraded lands.
- Organizing a multi-stakeholder conference on galamsey to establish medium- and long-term solutions.
- Reviewing the entire mining sector, including the management of critical minerals.
- Establishing specialized courts, under the Chief Justice’s directive, to handle environmental and mining offenses.
MASDA urged the government to take immediate action, arguing that stopping all ASM activities would provide an opportunity for a more sustainable solution to the galamsey crisis.
“Galamsey poses a threat to our survival, and we demand action now,” the statement concluded.
MASDA is a civil society organization focused on promoting good economic and democratic governance, youth empowerment, and sustainable development across Africa.
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