The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, has sounded the alarm over the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s stability. She emphasized that the menace poses an existential threat that transcends the immediate risks faced by local communities.
On JoyNews’ AM show on Wednesday, Mrs. Addy cautioned that illegal mining could have far-reaching consequences, citing examples from the sub-region. “Beyond the fact that illegal mining and galamsey are a threat to the stability of the state, we have examples in the sub-region for all of us to see. We all know about illegal mining. The role it played in escalating the conflict in Sierra Leone and Liberia and destabilizing the country for years. Those conflicts went on much longer than they should have because the diamond mining elements continue to fuel.”
She urged authorities to take decisive action against illegal mining to prevent potential destabilization. Mrs. Addy warned of severe consequences if illegal mining activities continue unchecked, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond mere discourse. She called for a united front in addressing the pressing issue, asserting that Ghana’s future well-being is at stake.
“It may look like life goes on, but the moment we cross the line into an era of instability, then other forces would come in, and we would have a really major problem in our country,” she noted.
