MINORITY LEADER SOUNDS ALARM ON  GALAMSEY 's DESTRUCTIVE IMPACT.

The Minority leader Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin has said the issue of illegal mining, or "galamsey," is a longstanding national crisis in Ghana, with severe environmental, health, and economic consequences. 

Speaking on the floor of parliament, he added that, despite repeated warnings and discussions, the problem persists. 

The devastation includes

pollution of rivers, destruction of fertile land, and toxic chemicals contaminating water bodies. Citizens in mining communities face illnesses and danger from poisonous chemicals.

 Loss of livelihoods for farmers and fishermen, and potential long-term damage to the country's economy.

 Highlighting previous efforts to expose and address the issue, he cited Anas Aremeyaw Anas's Documentary in  2010 which exposed the dark underbelly of galamsey, revealing corruption, complicity, and environmental havoc.

In 2015, The then-Finance Minister Mr Seth Terkper  highlighted the issue's impact on cocoa production.

The Member of parliament for Effutu called  for decisive action to address the crisis and protect Ghana's future.

 According to him, in a recent research conducted by EPA, the mercury levels in the soil are 134 times above safe levels and acidic concentrations are 4000% higher than WHO limits contaminating water, food crops and residents bodies. 

He added that children in mining areas are developing kidney disorders and mercury pellets have been found in their x-rays. Some require dialysis due to poisoning.

He revealed that unregulated small-scale mining has created a $6.3 billion underground economy, depriving the state of billions in revenue. 

Mr Afenyo Markin criticized the government for its handling of the crisis with claims that the situation has worsened under their watch.

Report by PKB