Collective Efforts Urged to Combat Illegal Mining in Ghana, Dotse Declares.

ACCRA: Mr Daniel Dotse, Co-founder of Lead for Ghana (LFG), has emphasized the necessity for a unified approach to tackle the illegal mining issue, commonly referred to as 'galamsey' in Ghana. He insists that collective efforts from all citizens are crucial in reducing the long-term detrimental effects on the environment and public health.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dotse, speaking at an environmental summit organized by the LFG Leadership Network, urged all Ghanaians to unite in the fight against galamsey. The summit, with the theme 'Building a Sustainable Future, Collaborative Solutions to Galamsey Menace in Ghana', was attended by energy and environmental policy analysts, an educator, youth analysts, and an environmental journalist.Mr Dotse emphasized that creating a sustainable future requires a joint effort from government bodies, local communities, businesses, and environmental advocates to put an end to the galamsey menace. He highlighted the need to strengthen the local economy, promote eth ical mining, enforce mining regulations, and educate community members on sustainable mining practices.He also called for a stronger media presence to continuously advocate against illegal mining and its adverse effects. "This mission requires courage, commitment, and collaboration to build a Ghana where every child inherits clean rivers, fertile land, and endless opportunities," he stressed.Mr. Erastus Asare Donkor, an investigative and environmental journalist at the Multimedia Group of Companies, revealed that Ghana is losing most of its forest reserves and major river bodies to galamsey. He noted that approximately half of the Apamprama Forest Reserve has been destroyed by illegal mining activities.According to him, it would cost Ghana billions of dollars to reclaim forest reserves such as the Upper Wassa, Tano-Anwia, Atiwa, and Krokosua Forest Reserves, which have been devastated by galamsey. He also observed that small-scale miners have been allowed to mine near major river bodies, releasing toxic mining residues into the rivers.Mr. Donkor's investigations revealed that rivers such as Ankobra, Anuru, Asenanyo, Ashire, Ayensuano, Bia, Birim, Bonsa, Butre, Densu, Oda, Ofin, Pra, Subri, and Tano are polluted by illegal mining. Laboratory tests conducted in 2022 showed high levels of Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, and Arsenic, exceeding the acceptable standards set by the World Health Organization, United States, and Ghana.The tests indicated arsenic levels in rivers like Oda, Birim, Ankobra, Pra, and Ofin ranged between 0.216mg/l and 0.444mg/l, significantly above the WHO standard of 0.005mg/l and Ghana's standard of 0.10mg/l. Lead residues also exceeded safe levels, with concentrations between 0.057mg/l and 0.208mg/l, compared to the acceptable levels of 0.015mg/l in the US and 0.010mg/l in Ghana.Mr Donkor highlighted the challenges faced by the Ghana Water Company in providing safe tap water after sourcing from these polluted rivers, posing health risks to citizens. He noted that despite employing over a million people, galamsey contributes to 40% of Ghana's gold production but has severe environmental and health consequences.He disclosed that many galamsey workers suffer from Silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, and are currently on oxygen at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. While awaiting governmental action against illegal mining, Mr Donkor urged traditional leaders to protect their lands and applauded the Mampong leaders for banning mining to safeguard residents and natural resources.Mr. Donkor called on environmental advocates to communicate the impacts of galamsey in a language that resonates with the local population to achieve effective change.