Paul Twum-Barimah sounds alarm over galamsey, warns of environmental collapse
Hon. Paul Twum-Barimah, former Member of Parliament for Dormaa East, has raised serious concerns over the devastating effects of illegal mining, popularly known as Galamsey, on Ghana’s environment and public health.
In a Facebook post titled “CRY O MY BELOVED GHANA, FOR GALAMSEY HAS DESTROYED THY LAND” on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the former lawmaker lamented the widespread destruction of the country’s natural resources.
“The unprecedented depletion of Ghana’s once green vegetation/landscape, beautiful water bodies, game and aquatic lives by activities of Galamsey must be a cause of worry to all well-meaning citizens,” he wrote on Facebook.
Hon. Twum-Barimah emphasized the dire human consequences, noting that “daily recorded cases of deaths, deformities and illnesses within Galamsey areas are beyond staggering.” He further highlighted the threat to essential resources, stating: “Potable drinking water and chemical-free foodstuffs is now a mirage as one cannot guarantee their quality/wholesomeness.”
The MP also pointed to the severe degradation of Ghana’s major river systems, warning that “Ghanaians can no longer boast of major river bodies we used to in the past: Rivers Ayensu, Offin, Pra, Ankobra, Densu among others have all suffered wanton destruction — rendering them useless.”
He warned that Ghana Water Company treatment plants, which supply water to millions, are under threat: “The few Ghana Water Company treatment plants across the country risk being shut down, and if nothing of emergency value is done to rescue the unfortunate situation, the country would be left with no option than resort to mass importation of drinking water like we do for other commodities.”
Decisive action
Hon. Twum-Barimah further urged a break from traditional approaches that have yielded little progress.
“We need a paradigm shift — a break from the usual coffee meetings, symposia, workshops and flowery speeches on Galamsey which achieve little or no results,” he said. “The central government, with all state power at its disposal, must live by its social contract with the people, and demonstrate serious commitment to end this dangerous environmental canker.”
