The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has urged former President John Dramani Mahama and government authorities to intensify efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, particularly in the country’s forests and water bodies.
Speaking during a press briefing in Accra, TUC General Secretary Georgina Opoku Amankwah stressed that galamsey continues to devastate Ghana’s natural resources, causing severe environmental degradation, water pollution, and loss of livelihoods for communities dependent on forests and rivers. She called on political leaders to take more decisive and sustained measures to halt the menace.
“The activities of galamsey operators are destroying our forests, choking our rivers with sediment, and poisoning aquatic life. It is imperative for leadership at all levels, including former President Mahama, to support robust policies and enforcement mechanisms that protect our environment,” Amankwah said.
TUC highlighted that previous crackdowns on illegal mining, while initially impactful, have often been short-lived, allowing perpetrators to resume operations once enforcement attention wanes. The union called for a coordinated approach involving law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and local communities to ensure long-term solutions.
The union also stressed the importance of providing alternative livelihoods for former galamsey operators to prevent them from returning to illegal mining activities, suggesting programs that encourage sustainable farming, aquaculture, and eco-tourism.
“This is not just an environmental issue; it is also a socio-economic challenge. Protecting our forests and rivers ensures the well-being of our citizens and preserves resources for future generations,” Amankwah emphasized.
While the government has in the past pledged to combat illegal mining, the TUC said more transparency and accountability are needed to demonstrate real progress. The union urged all political leaders to work collectively, regardless of party lines, to address the crisis decisively.
As Ghana faces ongoing threats to its ecological and economic stability from galamsey, calls from civil society and unions like TUC underscore the urgent need for stronger policies, sustained enforcement, and community-driven solutions to protect the nation’s natural resources.
