Ghana has long been endowed with rich natural resources, including gold, cocoa, and bauxite. However, these assets, while offering economic potential, have also brought challenges.

According to Sampah, over 90% of Ghana’s high forests have been logged since the late 1940s, with a current deforestation rate of approximately 22,000 hectares per annum? (FIABCI-GREPA-Environ). Furthermore, unregulated mining activities has contributed to the destruction of land and continues to ravage the land posing threats to Ghana’s biodiversity and long-term agricultural sustainability. Critical water bodies, essential for both human consumption and agriculture, have been contaminated, impacting the livelihoods of communities and posing a significant health risk.

In her presentation, Sampah highlighted the numerous threats to Ghana’s environment posed by unchecked mining activities. At that time, she warned of the dangers that illegal and unregulated mining posed, not just to Ghana’s natural resources but also to the nation's future prosperity. This message rings even more true today as the effects of galamsey become increasingly severe, affecting water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands across the country.

A Decade later: The battle continues with the impact of Galamsey

Reflecting on her earlier warnings, Sampah expresses her frustration that these environmental concerns remain largely unaddressed. “We knew the dangers of unchecked mining and industrialization back then, and yet, here we are, with even greater challenges on our hands,” she remarked.
Illegal mining has worsened the situation, contaminating rivers with mercury and cyanide, endangering public health, and threatening food security.

GREPA's Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

As a leader in the real estate sector, Sampah has ensured that GREPA takes a proactive stance on environmental issues. GREPA has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and mitigating the environmental challenges facing Ghana.

GREPA through its weekly virtual education program dubbed GREES is actively working on educating its members and the general public on mold mitigation, water ingress prevention, and public awareness campaigns about environmental hazards in real estate?.
GREPA’s recent conferences in Accra, Ghana has also been on Sustainable Development goals

Sampah believes that while the real estate sector may not be directly linked to mining, it has a significant role to play in shaping the future of Ghana’s urban landscapes in an environmentally conscious manner. GREPA’s efforts to promote sustainable housing solutions reflect its broader commitment to environmental stewardship.

An URGENT Call to Action – state of emergency!

In light of the worsening environmental crisis, Sampah is calling on all Ghanaians to take immediate action. "We must remember that our natural world is finite. If we destroy it, we destroy ourselves," she said. The fight against galamsey is not just a battle for the government or environmental activists but for every citizen and organization that cares about the future of the country.

She urged industries, including real estate, to adopt sustainable practices and work in partnership with government bodies to preserve the environment for future generations. "We need a concerted effort from every sector of society to halt the environmental destruction and rediscover the link between success and respect for the natural world," she concluded.

Vicky Sampah’s words serve as a reminder that economic development and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand. Only through responsible actions and collective effort can Ghana hope to secure a prosperous future for its people and its environment.
She believes that the fight against galamsey is not just about preserving the environment but is a moral imperative tied to the future success of the country. “Respecting our natural world is intrinsic to our long-term prosperity,” she said.

The Need for Stronger Environmental Enforcement

While acknowledging that Ghana has made some strides in environmental protection, Sampah insists that more needs to be done. “Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory bodies need to be strengthened, and their mandates expanded to tackle these environmental crises head-on,” Legislation alone is not enough; compliance and enforcement must go hand-in-hand? (FIABCI-GREPA-Environ).

Sampah is calling for a government intervention and a multi-faceted approach, including public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and greater collaboration between government agencies and private organizations. She also urges the government to take bold steps to reclaim lands damaged by galamsey activities and implement sustainable mining practices that can coexist with environmental preservation.

As Vicky Sampah continues to advocate for responsible environmental practices, her message is clear: Ghana’s long-term success is inextricably linked to how the country respects and preserves its natural resources. The fight against galamsey is not just about stopping illegal mining; it’s about securing the future for generations to come. As she stated in her 2013 presentation, "Societies can become more environmentally sustainable through economic development dedicated to improving the quality of life for everyone without degrading the earth’s life-support systems"?(FIABCI-GREPA-Environ).

In the battle for Ghana’s environmental future, Sampah remains a leading voice, pushing for a collective effort that ensures both prosperity and ecological balance.

https://www.slideshare.net/VictoriaSampahMBAMSR/fiabci-grepa-environmental-presentation