The Acting Coordinating Director of the Juaboso District Assembly, Mr. Samuel Kwabena Sarfo, has expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the district and across the country.
According to him, while a few individuals are benefiting financially from the illegal activity, the consequences are grave and affect the entire nation. “Galamsey may bring short-term benefits to some people, but it is creating long-term problems for all of us,” he said.
Mr. Sarfo highlighted that the effects of illegal mining are devastating Ghana’s forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies, posing a serious threat to the environment and the livelihoods of future generations.
He therefore called on all stakeholders—including traditional authorities, security agencies, and local residents—to unite and fight the menace collectively. “We cannot allow a few people to destroy our environment for their selfish gains,” he emphasized.
Mr. Sarfo made these remarks on behalf of the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Juaboso, Mr. Alexander Adu, during a stakeholder workshop on accurate reporting of illegal mining activities.
The workshop, held at Juaboso, was organized by the Resource Foundation to strengthen collaboration and promote responsible reporting on environmental issues, particularly illegal mining.
