Former Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Hon. Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah, has called for a balanced national conversation on small-scale mining (galamsey), stressing that while it has supported livelihoods and local economies, its environmental toll cannot be ignored.
Speaking on the Gumbe Show on TV XYZ, hosted by Oheneba Boamah, Hon. Kwakye-Ackah said galamsey has created employment for many young people and boosted economic activity in mining communities.
He noted that gold produced from small-scale mining continues to make a meaningful contribution to Ghana’s broader economy.
At the same time, he warned of the severe environmental consequences of illegal mining. “Our water bodies, cocoa farms, and ecosystems are being destroyed. The use of mercury in mining also poses serious health risks, particularly to children,” he said.
The former MP commended ongoing government initiatives aimed at streamlining the mining sector.
He cited the Responsible Mining and Scale Development (RMSD) Programme, which seeks to encourage safer, more sustainable practices while ensuring mining activities directly benefit local communities.
According to him, the government is also rolling out training and educational programmes for small-scale miners, especially youth, on environmentally friendly techniques.
He acknowledged, however, the tragic loss of government officials in a recent plane crash while they were on a mission to engage young miners on responsible practices.
“Despite this unfortunate incident, government remains committed to regulating the mining sector and promoting sustainability,” he stressed.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
