Galamsey could wipe out Ghana’s forest reserves, put Atewa Forest at risk – Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised serious concerns about the rampant illegal mining, or galamsey, in Ghana, which threatens the country's forest reserves, including the Atewa Forest, and water security. He emphasized the gravity of the situation during a meeting with the Christian Council of Ghana on October 5 to address national issues of concern.

Afenyo-Markin stressed that the warnings from organized labor and religious bodies should not be dismissed, as they highlight the scale of the galamsey problem. Organized labor, through its Secretary General, has publicly stated that galamsey activities have gotten out of control, while religious organizations have also voiced their concerns.

The Minority Leader questioned the current structure of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), arguing that it does not adequately differentiate between legally mined gold and gold produced through illegal mining, thus indirectly encouraging illegal mining activities. He also pointed out the lack of regulations guiding gold aggregators, which allows illegally mined gold to enter the formal purchasing system without distinction.

Afenyo-Markin, who previously chaired the Ghana Water Company Limited board, warned that the impact of illegal mining on Ghana's water resources could be challenging and costly to rectify. He emphasized the importance of monitoring the condition of the country's water bodies, as contamination has become so severe that some treatment plants are unable to function.

Afenyo-Markin issued a direct warning that, if the situation is not addressed urgently, the Atewa Forest, a major watershed and biodiversity hotspot, could disappear. The Atewa Range Forest Reserve has recently faced enforcement actions, including arrests and equipment seizures, due to illegal mining activities. The Minority Leader's meeting with the Christian Council is part of the caucus's efforts to engage with key stakeholders on critical issues like illegal mining and the protection of Ghana's natural resources.