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The President of the Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG), Crisler Akwei Ankrah, has underscored the need for the country to adopt significant measures and seek holistic solutions to end illegal mining, also called galamsey, immediately.
He said responsible mining, or sustainable practices must not be an option, but a necessity to preserve the country’s natural environment, foster economic growth and livelihoods.
“The alarming increase in water pollution due to unethical mining practices is an issue that cannot be overlooked. It poses a direct threat to our health, our environment, and our overall well-being,” he said.
Mr Ankrah was speaking at the opening ceremony of the fourth biennial conference of GhIG in Sunyani last Tuesday on the theme: "Strategic Natural Exploration and Exploitation: Guarantee for Sustainable National Development."
“Transitioning illegal mining from its current unregulated state into a formal and responsible enterprise is imperative,” he said.
The four-day conference is aimed at formulating immediate, short-term, and long-term strategies to be implemented at governmental, ministerial, district, and local levels, as well as at technical and professional taps to combat and mitigate the impacts of water pollution and protect forest cover.
It created a platform for the members of the geoscientists in Ghana and other African countries to share experiences and research outcomes across various geoscience disciplines, with a specific focus on the Ghanaian context.
It brought together experts, policymakers, professionals, industry leaders, academia, researchers, and students to share knowledge, explore innovative ideas, and enhance their professional skills within the field of geoscience.
“As we stand at this critical juncture, the need for equitable and judicious use of our natural resources has never been more pressing than today,” Mr Ankrah said.
He called on Ghanaians to collaborate to safeguard the rights of future generations, ensuring they possess the same opportunities to define their own destinies as “we do today.”
He said the conference would also feature a business meeting, focusing on the implementation of the African Mineral and Energy Resources Classification and Management System (AMREC) and the Pan African Resource Code (PARC).
Mr Ankrah said those pioneering frameworks were designed to align Africa’s resource management practices with global standards.
He said the initiatives were crucial since it would transform Ghana into a hub of certified professional members of the GhIG, qualified to represent competent persons for various resource reporting standards.
“This certification will not only enhance the credibility and professionalism of our members but also bolster our country’s standing in the global mineral resource sector,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, challenged the institute to collaborate with other institutions to develop strategies to curtail the health risks associated with galamsey.
"Your collaborations will be a change maker, now that everything is a poison and help you to identify and address the emerging non-communicable diseases," he said.
Prof. Asare-Bediako urged them to design eco-friendly solutions in the Artisanal Small-Scale Mining sector that balance economic needs with environmental protection.
The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu-Banahene, urged them to discuss and explore the most effective ways to harness the country's resources for economic growth while protecting the water bodies and environment.
She said the region was rich in minerals, forests, and water bodies, which had driven the local economy and contributed to national development.
"Therefore, it is essential that we align our exploration and exploitation activities with sustainable practices that guarantee long-term benefits," she said.
