World Environment Day 2026: Frimpong-Manso Institute calls for decisive action against galamsey

The Frimpong-Manso Institute has called on Ghana to take urgent and uncompromising action against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that the country's environmental future, food security and climate resilience are under serious threat.

In a statement issued to mark World Environment Day 2026 which falls on tomorrow June 5, the Institute said Ghana must choose a path of sustainable development and environmental protection if it hopes to secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

The statement, signed by the President of the Institute, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, was released under the global theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

According to the Institute, climate change is no longer a distant concern but a present reality that is already affecting rainfall patterns, agricultural productivity, water security, public health, infrastructure and livelihoods across the country.

“Ghana’s future will be no stronger than the forests, rivers, farms, wetlands and coastal ecosystems that sustain us,” the statement stressed.

The Institute noted that while developed nations have failed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the pace required to protect vulnerable countries and have fallen short on climate finance commitments, Ghana must not allow international shortcomings to hinder local action.

“We must continue to demand climate justice, fair finance and technology support; but we must also act decisively at home,” Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso stated.

The Institute emphasized that protecting forests, rivers, farmlands, wetlands and coastal ecosystems should be treated as a national priority because they serve as critical infrastructure for climate adaptation and economic development.

A major concern highlighted in the statement was the growing impact of illegal mining on the environment. The Institute described galamsey as a multifaceted national crisis that extends beyond environmental degradation.

“Galamsey is not only an environmental offence; it is a climate, food security, water security and governance crisis,” the statement declared.

The Institute called for a permanent national strategy to address the menace, including a complete halt to mining activities in forests and water bodies, the prosecution of financiers and collaborators, stronger monitoring systems, land reclamation efforts, river restoration projects, and the responsible regulation of legal small-scale mining.

It also advocated the creation of sustainable alternative livelihoods for young people and communities affected by illegal mining.

Beyond the fight against galamsey, the Institute urged government and stakeholders to integrate climate resilience into national development planning. It recommended investments in climate-proof infrastructure, improved drainage systems, climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, agroforestry, resilient seed varieties, sanitation, waste management, recycling and cleaner energy and transportation systems.

The statement further stressed the need for cities and districts to expand green spaces and implement measures to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while creating green employment opportunities for the youth.

Describing World Environment Day as a moment of reflection, the Institute challenged Ghanaians to consider the kind of environmental legacy they intend to leave behind.

“World Environment Day 2026 is not only a ceremony; it is a national mirror,” the statement said. “Ghana must decide: will we leave behind polluted rivers, exhausted farms and disappearing forests, or will we build a resilient, green and prosperous future?”

The Institute concluded by urging citizens, policymakers and development partners to work together to protect the country's natural resources and secure a sustainable future.

“To be inspired by nature is to protect what protects us. For climate, we must act now. For our future, Ghana must choose life over destruction,” Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso emphasized.