Galamsey fight: 'Ensure strict adherence to environmental standards' — Group urges Lands Minister

A youth led advocacy group, Youth Gate of Advocates for Christ Ghana, is calling on the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor to strictly enforce environmental regulations in the fight against illegal small-scale mining, known locally as galamsey.

In a statement titled "Galamsey - A Threat to God's Perfect Creation", the group stresses the devastating impacts of galamsey on Ghana's water bodies and terrestrial ecosystems.

"The menace of Galamsey poses a dire threat to this natural splendor. Illicit small-scale gold mining operations wreak havoc on ecosystems, leaving scars upon the land and tarnishing the pristine beauty bestowed upon Ghana," the statement reads in part.

The group also notes that toxic chemicals used in galamsey such as mercury and cyanide pollute water bodies, endangering both aquatic life and communities.

"Toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide pollute once-pure waters, imperiling aquatic life and the health of surrounding communities as well as the yet unborn generations," it says.

Youth Gate is therefore calling on Hon. Jinapor to "enforce and implement the provisions of the Constitution and the Minerals and Mining Act to protect our natural resources and environment. Please ensure strict adherence to environmental standards and promote sustainable mining practices."

The advocacy group believes strictly enforcing existing mining and environmental regulations will help curb galamsey's devastating effects on Ghana's land and water bodies.

It further urges the Lands Minister to protect Ghana's natural heritage for present and future generations in line with national laws and international sustainability frameworks.