Galamsey threatens Ghana’s health and economy, Sam Jonah warns
Mining executive Sir Sam Jonah says the destruction of rivers, forests and farmland reflects a failure to put responsibility to communities ahead of financial gain.
Sir Sam Jonah has warned that illegal mining is threatening Ghana’s economy and public health, describing the destruction of the country’s natural resources as a moral problem.
Speaking at Methodist University Ghana’s international conference on Thursday, October 15, he said rivers that had sustained generations were being devastated by galamsey.
“Rivers that fed our grandparents now run the colour of chocolate milk,” he said.
The conference was organised to mark the university’s 25th anniversary.
Sir Sam said the damage demanded a broader assessment of the consequences of illegal mining, beyond its visible impact on the environment.
“This is not only an environmental problem. It is an economic problem, a health problem and, in the end, a moral problem.”
His warning puts the focus on what communities stand to lose when mining damages the water and land on which they depend.
Polluted rivers threaten access to clean water, while the destruction of farmland puts agricultural livelihoods and food production at risk. Damage to forests also carries lasting consequences for biodiversity and the protection of natural resources.
Sir Sam linked the destruction to the pursuit of wealth without sufficient regard for others.
“It is what happens when people gain all they can and forget Wesley’s condition about not hurting their neighbour,” he said.
He added that responsible stewardship extended beyond protecting natural resources to how people used their money and talents.