Review strategies to fight ‘galamsey’ – GhIE urges

The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has urged for a thorough reassessment of the nation's approach to combat illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. According to the institute, the effort against illegal mining must be driven by specific goals and quantifiable outcomes that the public can observe. At the induction ceremony of 183 engineers in Accra, GhIE President Dr Ludwig Annang Hesse stressed that the issue persistently jeopardizes the environment, food security, and the wellbeing of Ghanaians, necessitating a fresh strategy to tackle the problem.

He emphasized that galamsey has evolved from merely an environmental issue to a national concern, affecting forests, rivers, farmlands, food production, and citizens' health and wellbeing.

Dr Hesse also expressed concerns about the country's infrastructure, highlighting building safety and flooding as significant issues. He called for stricter enforcement of building regulations and professional standards to prevent structural failures and safeguard lives. In his address, "Heirs of a Legacy, Architects of the Future," Dr Patrick Amoah Bekoe reminded the newly inducted engineers of their responsibility to the nation.

He reminded them that the Ghana Institution of Engineering was established in 1968 by a group of engineers who believed in a self-governing and self-regulating engineering profession. He urged the new members to prioritize public interest over personal gain and stressed that Ghana's infrastructure challenges need engineers ready to speak with evidence and courage.

Dr Bekoe reiterated that Ghana cannot progress without engineers, urging the new generation to remain curious, embrace opportunities, persevere, and actively participate in the affairs of GhIE.