Project Management Institute Ghana Calls for Immediate Action on Illegal Mining Crisis
The Project Management Institute, Ghana has voiced grave concerns over the devastating environmental toll of illegal mining, urging a collective response to halt the practice, which they describe as an existential threat to the nation.
The Institute stresses that the country’s long-term survival is being jeopardized in the pursuit of short-term profits by a select few, calling for an immediate shift towards sustainable and responsible mining practices.
The plea comes against the backdrop of Ghana’s struggle to make meaningful headway on several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate action, life below water, and life on land.
Illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, has ravaged natural ecosystems, polluted water sources, and left large swathes of forestland decimated.
Environmental and Health Fallout
Illegal mining activities have introduced hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide into the country’s rivers and streams. The contamination has made these water bodies unsafe for consumption, agricultural use, and wildlife.
Furthermore, the long-term ingestion of these toxic substances through water and food has led to serious public health crises, including neurological damage and developmental disorders.
The rapid destruction of Ghana’s forest reserves, coupled with a sharp decline in biodiversity, has further exacerbated the nation’s vulnerability to climate change, according to the Institute.
Urgent Call to Action
PMI Ghana insists that the time for action is now. The Institute is urging the government to move swiftly in halting illegal mining, while calling for comprehensive stakeholder engagement that brings together local communities, industry players, and international organisations.
Immediate steps include the reclamation of degraded lands through reforestation, the dredging of polluted water bodies, and the implementation of water treatment solutions to make contaminated water safe for consumption. Additionally, stringent legal penalties against illegal miners must be enforced, ensuring that the practice becomes economically unviable.
The Role of the State
PMI Ghana has placed the onus on the government to lead the charge in addressing this crisis. The Institute highlights that the nation is lagging behind on several key SDGs and warns that the continued degradation of Ghana’s natural resources could have profound economic, environmental, and health consequences in the years to come.
A united effort, underpinned by robust legal frameworks and community participation, is essential to ensuring the country’s sustainable future.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, PMI Ghana’s call serves as a stark reminder: the costs of inaction are too great to bear.
