Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has issued a strong call for decisive government action against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, warning that the practice is worsening Ghana’s environmental crisis and threatening water security.
Speaking passionately about the issue, Afenyo-Markin urged the government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to end the destructive activity, which he said is causing severe damage not only in his constituency but across the country.
“Galamsey is not just an environmental issue it’s a national emergency,” the MP said. “It is contaminating our water bodies, degrading our soil, and putting the future of our communities at risk.”
Galamsey has long been a contentious issue in Ghana, with its impacts felt across various sectors. The illegal mining operations pollute water sources, making it increasingly difficult for many communities to access clean drinking water. In addition, the practice leads to soil degradation, which undermines agricultural productivity and food security.
Environmental groups have also raised alarms over widespread deforestation, land degradation, and the loss of biodiversity caused by unchecked mining activities.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized the need for a unified, nationwide response to the crisis. He called on the youth to play an active role in the fight against galamsey, urging them to champion sustainable natural resource management and environmental protection.
“The youth must rise to this challenge,” he stated. “We need a new generation committed to preserving Ghana’s environment and building a sustainable future.”
The MP also called for increased community engagement in addressing the issue, stressing that lasting change would only come through collective effort.
As the galamsey threat continues to escalate, Afenyo-Markin’s appeal adds to growing pressure on government authorities to act swiftly and decisively to protect the country’s natural resources.
