llegal mining fight not aggressive enough – Prof Boadi

The Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Prof. Isaac Boadi, has criticised the government’s handling of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, arguing that current efforts are not forceful enough to match the scale of environmental and economic destruction facing the country.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show on Friday, April 24, Prof. Boadi stated that the administration’s response lacks the urgency and intensity required to effectively combat the growing menace of illegal mining.

He referenced findings presented during a press conference organised by his institute at the Accra International Conference Centre, where detailed data was shared on the extent of damage caused to Ghana’s natural resources. According to him, the situation has reached alarming levels and demands immediate and decisive intervention.

“The commitment or effort of this administration, for me, has not been aggressive enough in the fight against galamsey,” he stated.

Prof. Boadi underscored the severe environmental consequences of illegal mining, revealing that an estimated 50 to 70 percent of Ghana’s water bodies have been polluted due to galamsey activities. This widespread contamination, he warned, threatens not only ecosystems but also the health and livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians who depend on these water sources.

He also drew attention to the economic impact, noting that the country continues to lose substantial revenue as illegal mining operations remain largely unchecked. The loss of taxable income, combined with the cost of environmental restoration, places an additional burden on the national economy.

Citing concerns from the Ghana Water Company, Prof. Boadi explained that water treatment processes are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive due to high levels of pollution caused by mining activities. This, he said, could lead to higher costs for consumers and potential water shortages if the situation is not addressed promptly.

He further referenced remarks by the President of Ghana, who has publicly acknowledged that individuals linked to his own political party, as well as some traditional leaders, are involved in illegal mining.

“If a president makes such a statement, it tells you the fight is beyond him,” Prof. Boadi observed, suggesting that the issue may be deeply entrenched within the country’s political and social structures.

In addition to criticising government efforts, Prof. Boadi also expressed disappointment in civil society organisations (CSOs), often regarded as the “voice of conscience” in governance matters. He argued that these groups have not been as vocal or active in recent times as they were under previous administrations.

He noted that many CSOs had previously led strong advocacy campaigns against galamsey, including calls for the declaration of a state of emergency. However, he observed a noticeable decline in such activism under the current government.

While reiterating that he did not support calls for a state of emergency in the past—and continues to oppose such measures—Prof. Boadi questioned what alternative strategies are being implemented to tackle the crisis effectively.

“The point is, what are the other mechanisms or solutions that we have to solve this problem? Will the declaration of a state of emergency give the zeal that we are talking about?” he asked.

Prof. Boadi stressed that addressing illegal mining requires deliberate, visible, and sustained action from both government and stakeholders. He called for stronger enforcement of existing laws, increased accountability, and a coordinated national effort to protect Ghana’s natural resources.

He concluded by emphasising that beyond political rhetoric, practical and consistent measures are urgently needed to curb the destructive impact of galamsey and safeguard the country’s environmental and economic future.