The British High Commission hosted a high-level edition of its “Galamsey Speaker Series” on Monday, 13th October 2025, convening key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the health sector.
The objective of the forum is to address the multidimensional challenges of illegal mining and develop sustainable solutions. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the British High Commission hosted a high-level edition of its “Galamsey Speaker Series” on Monday, 13th October 2025, convening key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the health sector.
The objective of the forum is to address the multidimensional challenges of illegal mining and develop sustainable solutions.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), was the Ministry’s Director of Communications, Ms. Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia. Her speech, titled “The Impact, Causes, and the Five-Pronged Strategy in Addressing Illegal Mining in Ghana,” highlighted the severe socio-economic and environmental consequences of galamsey.
“Illegal mining is not just an environmental concern; it is a national development challenge that undermines our water security, public health, and social stability,” Ms. Ama Mawusi stated.
She detailed the government’s multi-pronged strategy to combat the menace, which emphasizes:
Promoting Stakeholder Education and Collaboration.
Implementing Regulatory Reforms.
Strengthening Law Enforcement.
Reclaiming Degraded Lands and Restoring Polluted Water Bodies.
Providing Alternative and Sustainable Livelihoods.
A panel discussion followed, featuring experts from the health sector, the Ghana Coalition Against Illegal Mining, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Office of the Presidency. The discussion explored the cross-sectoral impacts of illegal mining, from mercury contamination and deforestation, among several other dire consequences.
Participants unanimously stressed the necessity for coordinated action across ministries and communities, in addition to robust public education and sensitization campaigns to curb the practice.
The Galamsey Speaker Series is a component of the British High Commission’s ongoing partnership with Ghana, focused on promoting responsible resource governance and environmental sustainability.
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