Renowned Ghanaian economist and statesman, Kwame Pianim, has called for an immediate three to six-month suspension of all non-industrial gold mining activities in the country, warning that the devastation caused by illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, is pushing the nation towards an environmental and economic catastrophe.
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In an exclusive interview, Pianim stressed that Ghana can no longer afford delays in tackling the crisis. “We must act now — decisively and without compromise,” he declared. “Galamsey is not just an environmental issue; it is a national emergency that threatens our water bodies, our agriculture, our health, and our future.”
According to him, the country’s rivers, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin, have turned brown and toxic, while vast areas of once-productive farmland have been rendered infertile. Communities reliant on farming and fishing, he said, are being driven to the brink of collapse.
“Every day we allow galamsey to continue, we dig ourselves deeper into a hole from which we may never recover,” Pianim cautioned. “The contamination of our rivers means higher costs for water treatment, increased health risks, and the collapse of livelihoods for millions of Ghanaians.”
The proposed moratorium, he explained, would not target legitimate small-scale miners but rather create a window for the government to restructure and regulate the sector. He outlined key actions for the freeze period, including:
A nationwide audit of mining concessions and licenses
Strengthening enforcement against illegal operators
Rehabilitating degraded lands and polluted water bodies
Enforcing stricter environmental compliance standards
Pianim emphasised that the move was not about job destruction but about securing the long-term viability of the mining sector and safeguarding the lives of Ghanaians. He acknowledged, however, that the proposal would require strong political will and the active participation of local communities, traditional leaders, and security agencies.
“The fight against galamsey will not be won by government alone. Every citizen must be part of the solution. We must decide, collectively, that enough is enough,” he urged.
With the nation still mourning the loss of eight lives — including two cabinet ministers — in a recent military helicopter crash linked to anti-galamsey operations, Pianim’s call adds to growing pressure on the government to take decisive action.
“This is our last chance to reclaim our land, our rivers, and our dignity,” he concluded, warning that without urgent intervention, the damage could soon become irreversible.
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