President Mahama, Wake Up: Galamsey Is Drowning Ghana – Environmental Expert Urges Immediate Action

Kwabena Frimpong, a respected expert in Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management and a politician , has issued a powerful open letter to President John Dramani Mahama, expressing grave concern over the escalating impact of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, on Ghana’s environment, public health, and social fabric.

With just 27 days remaining in President Mahama’s promised 120-day action plan, Frimpong is calling out the government’s inaction and lack of political will in tackling the menace of illegal mining, which he describes as being more destructive than ever.

Frimpong referenced Point 19 of the President’s social contract, which promised to “ban illegal and new mining activities in forest reserves” and implement eco-restoration initiatives like the Tree for Life and Blue Water Initiative. However, he notes that these promises remain largely unfulfilled while forests, rivers, and farmlands continue to be ravaged.

As Ghana approaches the 120-day mark of the President’s social contract, citizens, experts, and civil society groups alike are watching closely to see whether decisive action will finally be taken—or whether the galamsey threat will continue to drown the nation’s future.

BELOW IS THE FULL PRESS STATEMENT

An Open Letter to President John Mahama

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗨𝗽 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮

Kwabena Frimpong [ Msc Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management]

Dear President John Mahama,

I write to you as a concerned professional in the field of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management, deeply troubled by the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on our people and environment. Ghana, once a beacon of rich natural resources, now faces environmental destruction, public health crises, and socio-economic instability due to the unchecked activities of illegal miners.

Mr President on your 120 days social contract with the Ghanaian people point 19 reads “Ban illegal and new mining activities in forest reserves. Roll out our ‘Tree for Life’ and Blue Water Initiative’ to heal and sustainably harness the environment by turning areas and water bodies degraded by illegal mining into economic and ecological recovery hubs” But Today marks your 93rd day in government remaining 27 days more to the 120 days but illegal mining( Galamsey) is on its devastating effect to good people of Ghana than ever.

The Devastating Effects of Galamsey

1. Environmental Destruction

Illegal mining has led to widespread deforestation, land degradation, and the destruction of farmlands, threatening food security.

Rivers and water bodies such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin have been heavily polluted with mercury and other toxic chemicals, rendering them unsafe for human consumption and aquatic life.

2. Severe Health Implications

Mercury poisoning from illegal mining causes severe neurological disorders, birth defects, and other long-term health complications.

Dust and chemical exposure from mining activities contribute to respiratory diseases, endangering the lives of miners and nearby communities.

Contaminated water sources lead to an increase in waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.

3. Economic and Social Disruptions

The destruction of farmlands forces many farmers into poverty, affecting Ghana’s agricultural productivity.

School dropouts increase as young people abandon education for quick money in illegal mining.

The rise of galamsey-related conflicts fuels insecurity, crime, and lawlessness, weakening national stability.

Despite benefiting from the galamsey demonstrations, the strike declared by Organised Labour, and the Catholic Conference’s Prayer Demonstration, which all took place just days before the December 7, 2024 elections, it’s shocking that you’re not taking decisive action against this menace. Instead, members of your own party are destroying our lands, forests, and water bodies through galamsey. It’s time to show the political will to fight galamsey and protect Ghana’s environment, Mr President. You are failing to act decisively in tackling this menace. The reasons are clear:

– Political Interests and Vote-Buying: Galamsey operators have strong financial influence and support politicians in exchange for protection after elections.

– Corruption and Weak Enforcement: Some officials within law enforcement and regulatory agencies are complicit, accepting bribes to turn a blind eye to illegal mining activities.

– Economic Pressure: With limited job opportunities, many Ghanaians depend on illegal mining for survival, making it politically risky for any government to take aggressive action.

– Influence of Powerful Business Interests: Some individuals with ties to high-ranking government officials and your party people profit from illegal mining, making it difficult for your government to take a firm stance against the illegal mining.

Solutions to End the Galamsey Menace

1. Strict Law Enforcement and Accountability

– Strengthen and empower the Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission and Environmental Protection Agency to regulate mining effectively not your Gold board which would encourage galamsey.

– Establish a special independent anti-galamsey task force free from political interference not that your blue water squad.

– Enforce harsher penalties, including seizing equipment and prosecuting both miners and their sponsors.

2. Sustainable Livelihood Programs

– Introduce alternative employment opportunities, such as agribusiness, vocational training, and eco-tourism, to provide economic alternatives for illegal miners.

– Establish a state-sponsored “Responsible Mining Initiative” where small-scale miners can operate legally under strict environmental guidelines.

3. Rehabilitation and Restoration of Affected Areas

– Launch a nationwide afforestation program to restore degraded lands.

– Implement water purification projects to clean polluted rivers and ensure safe drinking water for affected communities.

4. Public Awareness and Community Involvement

– Educate communities on the long-term dangers of galamsey and the benefits of sustainable environmental practices.

– Involve traditional leaders and local communities in monitoring and reporting illegal mining activities.

Mr. President, history will judge us by how you handle this crisis. It is time for bold leadership, free from political compromise like you are exhibiting now, to end this environmental and public health disaster. I urge you to take decisive action to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. Our people deserve clean water, fertile lands, and a secure future—not the short-term gains of galamsey at the cost of national destruction, Mr President, your party. Members are destroying our lands and water bodies through illegal mining.Mr President wake up from slumber if you are still on honeymoon.

Sincerely,
Kwabena Frimpong
Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Expert
Deputy Protocol Director, NPP