Reverend Dr. Joyce R. Aryee, a multi-award-winning mining executive and the first female to head an African Chamber of Mines, has said illegal mining, known as “Galamsey”, is a threat to Ghana’s attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically goals three, six and twelve, which emphasize good health and well-being; clean water and sanitation; and responsible consumption and production.
Speaking at the eighth John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Lecture in UHAS last Friday March 22 on the theme, “Illegal Mining in Ghana: A Critical Challenge to the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals”, she said the activities of illegal mining continue to expose people, especially those in the areas where these activities take place, to health hazards including toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide whilst water bodies continue to be polluted, endangering access to safe drinking water and perpetuating a cycle of environmental degradation and economic exploitation.
She said responsible and regulated mining is a catalyst for development in Ghana; unfortunately “the threat and consequences of illegal mining means that we are short-changing ourselves.” Also, the nation is already beginning to feel the negative impact of illegal mining as water shortages continue to hit some areas “because it takes longer for Ghana Water Company Limited to filter portable drinking water due to large amounts of pollution found in the water bodies.” Another troubling occurrence is the “strange baby phenomenon” where babies born in these environments are deformed, without limbs or with neurological disorders.
The World Bank reports that mining contributes significantly to the African economy, employing about 1.9 million people and accounting for over 20 percent of its GDP. Rev. Dr. Aryee explained that SDGs such as poverty reduction, education and health, are closely linked to the mining sector’s ability to contribute positively to local communities and national economies, noting that in some parts of Africa where regulated gold mining has been enforced, it has led to economic empowerment, social investments, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community development, among other benefits.
She explained how the menace of illegal mining could be curbed using SDG 17, which underscores the the importance of partnerships in addressing global challenges such as illegal mining and advancing the SDGs: “By fostering collaborations, capacity building and innovations, partnerships can play a pivotal role in promoting responsible mining practices, protecting natural resources, and improving wellbeing of communities affected by mining activities.”
Justice Victor J.M. Dotse, Chairman of the University Council, also emphasized the threat of illegal mining on survival and called on duty bearers not to shirk their responsibilities.
Vice Chancellor Professor Lydia Aziato, also challenged faculty present to collaborate with sister universities and other agencies to probe the “strange baby phenomenon” and help advance the progress of the nation.
The annual lecture series was attended by statemen and women, chiefs, faculty and students drawn from second cycle and tertiary institutions in the vicinity.