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El Samuels: MBN360 News
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo is sounding the alarm on the devastating impact of illegal mining, known as galamsey, on Ghana’s water bodies and environment. She is urging the government to impose a moratorium on all forms of mining in the country until robust systems are put in place to properly manage the resource.
Justice Akuffo lamented that the menace of illegal mining has persisted for too long due to political interference and public complacency. “Galamsey didn’t become intractable in 2025; it became intractable long ago. And we have been playing games around it, dancing around it, and now it has become a political issue,” she said. “It has grown so many thieves that it is killing and poisoning everybody.
The former CJ emphasized that the quest to mine Ghana’s resources has gone out of hand, with severe consequences for the environment and public health. She urged communities affected by illegal mining to rise up and take a stand against the pollution of rivers, farmlands, and food crops through irresponsible exploitation of natural resources.
Justice Akuffo’s call for a moratorium on all forms of mining is gaining traction, with many Ghanaians echoing her sentiments. The recent violent attack on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region has further highlighted the need for decisive action against illegal mining.
In light of these developments, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to Justice Akuffo’s call for a moratorium on mining. One thing is certain, however: the Ghanaian people are demanding action to protect the country’s natural resources and ensure that they benefit all citizens, not just a select few.
