Ghanaian actor and political candidate, John Dumelo has issued a warning about the growing threat of illegal mining better known as “Galamsey,” in the country.
According to Dumelo in a tweet on Wednesday, April 26 2023, if the issue is not addressed promptly, it could have devastating consequences for the nation’s economy, environment, and public health.
Dumelo specifically highlighted the impact of galamsey on Ghana’s cocoa industry, which is the second-largest in the world.
The actor-turned-politician warned that if nothing is done to combat the illegal mining activities, Ghana could lose its position as the world’s second-largest cocoa producer.
Furthermore, Dumelo pointed out that galamsey is already causing serious damage to Ghana’s farmlands, with many being completely wiped out by the activities of illegal miners. The few remaining farmlands, he said, are being soaked in chemicals used in the illegal mining process, making them unfit for agriculture.
“If we don’t tackle this galamsey menace We will lose our spot as worlds 2nd producer of cocoa.Our farm lands will be totally wiped out and we will start importing food.The few farm lands left will be SOAKED chemicals.We will start importing drinking water,” the tweet said
The impact of galamsey is not limited to farming, as Dumelo also highlighted the potential risks to public health.
The chemicals used in illegal mining activities can contaminate the water supply, making it unsafe for drinking.
If this were to happen, Dumelo warned, Ghana would have to start importing drinking water, which would put further strain on the country’s already struggling economy.
Ghana’s government has been indicted in a leaked report by former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Chairperson of the erstwhile Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Professor Frimpong-Boateng, who fingered some government officials involved in galamsey.
Prof Frimpong-Boateng in his report on the IMCIM cited several government officials allegedly involved in the practice.
However, the Presidency said the report of the IMCIM could only be rightly referred to as a ‘catalogue of personal grievances and claims’ by Prof Frimpong-Boateng.
