Galamsey Ghana Is On The Brink Of Self inflicted Environmental Genocide Ato Forson

The Minority Leader in Parliament has raised alarm over the devastating environmental damage caused by illegal and unregulated mining activities, warning that Ghana faces an impending environmental crisis.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, October 15, he described the illegal mining menace, commonly known as "galamsey," as a serious threat to the nation’s future.

He highlighted the detrimental impact of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies, pointing out that the illegal discharge of heavy metals is already affecting citizens' health.

According to him, the environmental degradation caused by galamsey could have long-term consequences if not addressed immediately.

The Minority Leader called for urgent action, warning, "Ghana is on the brink of self-inflicted environmental genocide and destruction."

He stressed that the current situation requires decisive measures to prevent further damage.

He also expressed concern over the rapid depletion of natural resources, noting the severe loss of biodiversity and widespread land degradation caused by illegal mining activities.

“Let me be quick to say that all is not well with our country. Mr. Speaker, our country is under attack. Ghana is under a threat of an unprecedented spate of illegal, illicit, uncontrolled, and unregulated mining activities,” he lamented.

He further stated that Ghana is at a crisis point berating the government for the lack of political will to fight the menace.


He therefore urged “the House to rise to the occasion to bring the essential action to bear on the President and Vice president to act.”

“At the heart of this crisis, leadership failure, official complicit and lack of political will by the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia government and the NPP. Mr Speaker, to do nothing is no longer an option.”King Edward Ambrose Washman/