The United Nations has urged all Ghanaians to unite in the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which continues to inflict severe damage on the nation’s environment, economy, and societal well-being.
This call comes in response to ongoing protests against galamsey, which has ignited widespread public concern due to its destructive impact.
In a statement, UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Charles Abani, highlighted the far-reaching consequences of illegal mining, stressing that its effects are not confined to Ghana but extend across the entire West African region.
“Illegal and unregulated mining has devastating economic, social, and environmental consequences,” the statement noted. “It worsens poverty, destroys livelihoods, pollutes the environment, harms public health, contaminates water sources, disrupts peace, and fuels illicit financial flows.”
Mr. Abani further urged protesters to remain peaceful and called on law enforcement agencies to act with professionalism in maintaining order.
“We urge all protesters to demonstrate peacefully and responsibly, and we call on the police to uphold professionalism, safeguarding both law and order while respecting human and civil rights,” he emphasized.
The UN’s call for unity extends to all sectors of Ghanaian society, stressing the need for a collaborative approach to combat the ongoing illegal mining crisis.
“We call on leaders across the board—government, political parties, traditional and religious institutions, civil society, the private sector, and citizens—to work together to tackle this challenge. Ghana must succeed,” Abani declared.
The UN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable, environmentally responsible initiatives as part of its #PactfortheFuture campaign, which focuses on climate action, environmental preservation, and securing a better future for coming generations.
“The UN in Ghana endorses actions aligned with the #PactfortheFuture, including sustainability, climate action, environmental protection, and pollution control, to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for people and the planet. This is our shared ambition,” Mr. Abani concluded.
