The murky waters of the Brim, Ankobra, and Pra Rivers paint a grim picture of Ghana’s struggle against galamsey, the term for illegal small-scale mining. These once-vibrant water bodies, crucial for agriculture and daily life, are now threatened by the relentless pursuit of gold. Professor John Owusu Addo, a distinguished Ghanaian architect and Pan-Africanist, believes the heart of the problem lies not in the lack of solutions, but in the absence of political will to implement them. He argues that successive governments have failed to take decisive action against galamsey, leading to widespread environmental degradation and jeopardizing the future of Ghana’s natural resources. The consequences of this inaction are dire, demanding immediate and sustained intervention.

Professor Addo warns of a future where major rivers, save perhaps the Volta, may vanish altogether. “Maybe in the next 20 years, there’ll be no rivers except maybe the Volta,” he lamented, underscoring the irreversible ecological damage Ghana faces if galamsey continues unchecked. The pollution caused by these illegal mining activities extends beyond water, contaminating soil and impacting the health of communities that depend on these resources. The long-term consequences include potential water scarcity, reduced agricultural productivity, and a rise in waterborne diseases, creating a cascade of socio-economic challenges.

The pervasive environmental degradation caused by galamsey presents a complex challenge, yet Professor Addo insists that workable solutions exist. His critique centers on the failure of political will, asserting that despite readily available strategies to combat illegal mining, governments have consistently fallen short. “When you sit down, it’s so easy to find a way out to stop galamsey,” he stated, highlighting the apparent simplicity of the solutions compared to the complex political barriers hindering their implementation.

Existing interventions, such as military task forces and public awareness campaigns, have proven insufficient. Professor Addo points to the inconsistency and lack of sustained effort as major weaknesses. Partisan politics and vested interests often undermine these initiatives, prioritizing short-term gains over the long-term well-being of the environment and the communities that depend on it.

Professor Addo also casts doubt on the sole effectiveness of education as a solution. “We can go on educating for the next 20 years…,” he remarked, suggesting that education alone cannot overcome the powerful forces driving galamsey. While he acknowledges the importance of raising awareness, he emphasizes the critical need for decisive political action, strong enforcement, and comprehensive policy changes to achieve lasting results. The situation is further complicated by political interference that can stall or impede town planning efforts that are crucial to mitigating the effects of galamsey, as highlighted in a related article on the topic.

So, what are the potential solutions? Experts suggest stricter enforcement of existing mining laws and regulations, coupled with the adoption of sustainable mining practices. Alternative livelihood programs for those currently involved in galamsey are crucial to provide economic alternatives and reduce the incentive to engage in illegal mining. Community involvement plays a vital role, empowering local residents to monitor and report illegal activities. Raising awareness about the detrimental environmental and health impacts of galamsey can foster a sense of collective responsibility and encourage sustainable practices.

Ultimately, addressing the root causes of galamsey requires a fundamental shift towards greater political accountability. Citizens must demand transparency from politicians and government officials, holding them responsible for their actions or inactions. Only through sustained political will and a commitment to environmental stewardship can Ghana hope to reverse the devastating effects of galamsey and secure a sustainable future for its people and its natural resources.

Professor Addo’s message is clear: the environmental degradation caused by galamsey is a direct consequence of the lack of political will to confront the problem head-on. The urgent need for action cannot be overstated, as the continued destruction of Ghana’s water bodies and ecosystems threatens the very fabric of the nation. It is imperative that readers advocate for political accountability and support sustainable practices to combat galamsey and protect Ghana’s environment for future generations.