Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has made a passionate appeal to members of academia to take a more proactive role in addressing the pressing issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey in Ghana. Speaking at a special event organized by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Kufuor emphasized that while politicians have been central to the discussions surrounding the fight against galamsey, their efforts alone would not suffice in achieving sustainable solutions.
Kufuor stressed the importance of involving academic experts whose knowledge, research, and analytical skills can contribute to more effective and long-term strategies to combat this growing problem ¹. He highlighted the urgency with which the issue of illegal mining needs to be tackled, citing the negative consequences of galamsey, including environmental degradation, destruction of water bodies, and loss of arable land.
These consequences have far-reaching implications for the country’s future, making it imperative for academics to join the fight against galamsey. Kufuor pointed out that this is not just a political issue, but one that requires a multidisciplinary approach, where the academic community can play a pivotal role.
“The topic of illegal mining and the proper use of our natural resources is one we must address with critical analysis and urgency to achieve the long-term solutions that we must achieve,” Kufuor said. He urged thought leaders, especially institutions like GIMPA, to take up the mantle and lead conversations that bring solutions to these pressing national challenges.
The practice of galamsey has led to the contamination of major rivers, deforestation, and soil erosion, threatening Ghana’s natural resources and sparking tensions between local communities and mining operators. Kufuor’s call comes at a time when illegal mining has become one of the most contentious issues in Ghana.
The former president’s appeal is timely, considering the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment, public health, and the economy. By involving academics in the fight against galamsey, Kufuor hopes to find sustainable solutions to this complex problem.
Academics possess the knowledge, research, and analytical skills necessary to develop effective strategies to combat galamsey. Their involvement would bring a multidisciplinary approach to the issue, ensuring that solutions address the root causes of the problem.
Kufuor’s call to action is directed at institutions like GIMPA, which have the capacity to lead conversations and bring solutions to pressing national challenges. The former president’s appeal is a clarion call for academics to join the fight against galamsey.
The fight against galamsey requires a collaborative effort between politicians, academics, and local communities. By working together, Ghana can find sustainable solutions to this complex problem and protect its natural resources for future generations.
Kufuor’s appeal to academics to join the fight against galamsey is a significant step towards finding sustainable solutions to this pressing issue. By involving academics in the fight, Ghana can harness their knowledge, research, and analytical skills to combat this growing problem.
