The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has strongly condemned illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, citing the severe threat they pose to the nation’s environment, water bodies, farmlands, and public health. In a statement dated April 26, the GBA called for immediate, decisive, and sustained action from all arms of government, law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders to address the issue.

Environmental Damage and Health Risks
The GBA highlighted the significant environmental damage caused by galamsey, including contamination of water sources and serious risks to public health. The association stressed the importance of a unified effort to eradicate galamsey, which it views as a major threat to the country’s natural resources.

Call for Judicial Action
The GBA also called on the judiciary to prioritize and expedite the hearing of galamsey-related cases, ensuring that offenders are held accountable in accordance with the law. “Offenders must be held accountable without fear or favor,” the statement emphasized.

Government Intervention Needed
The GBA’s statement underscores the need for government intervention to address the galamsey menace. The association’s call for action highlights the urgency of the situation and the importance of collective efforts to protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources.