Five prominent professional bodies in Ghana’s built environment sector have united to demand an immediate ban on illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” particularly in the country’s forest reserves and water bodies.

The Ghana Institute of Architects, Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ghana Institution of Surveyors, Ghana Institute of Planners, and Institute of Engineering Technology – Ghana have issued a joint statement calling for urgent government action to address the escalating crisis.

In their statement, released on Thursday, September 12, 2024, the groups highlighted the alarming environmental, health, and security threats posed by galamsey. They described the practice as a “national security concern” that endangers Ghana’s existence by destroying ecosystems, wildlife, and public health infrastructure.

The statement underscored the widespread environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Over the past decade, Ghana has lost approximately 2.5 million hectares of forest reserve to galamsey, severely damaging the country’s ecological balance and contributing to the loss of wildlife habitats and biodiversity.

“The galamsey situation is rapidly escalating, with perpetrators becoming increasingly bold, spreading their activities across the country,” the statement warned. It pointed to the apparent impunity with which illegal miners operate, often under the watchful eyes of government officials, openly destroying rivers, forest reserves, and mining along public roads in mining communities.

The health risks associated with galamsey were also highlighted, with the professional bodies warning of severe consequences for communities near mining sites. The release noted, “Populations near these mining sites are exposed to polluted water, land, and air, leading to respiratory problems, skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and other health issues.” The long-term exposure to toxic chemicals used in illegal mining has been linked to neurological damage, kidney failure, cancer, and other serious conditions.

The organizations emphasized that galamsey not only threatens public health but also jeopardizes the sustainability of Ghana’s natural resources and livelihoods. They called on the government to immediately ban illegal mining activities in forest reserves and water bodies to protect the nation’s environment and citizens from further harm.

They further stressed the importance of a unified effort in combating the crisis, urging collaboration among government, civil society, traditional authorities, and private sector entities. The professional bodies noted that holding all perpetrators accountable, regardless of their status or affiliation, is critical to overcoming the crisis.

“We, the Built Environment Professional bodies, are committed to working with Ghanaians, other professionals, and all relevant stakeholders to take the necessary legal steps to ensure that the government and all players are mobilized to combat and ultimately stop illegal mining. Together, we can safeguard Ghana’s natural resources, protect our environment, and secure a sustainable future for all,” the statement concluded.

This call to action adds to the growing pressure on the government to address the galamsey menace, as the environmental and health consequences continue to escalate.