Former Minister of Environment, Science & Technology, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has expressed deep concerns over the destructive impact of illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s food production and environment. Speaking on TV3’s Key Points program on Saturday, November 30, he warned of an impending hunger crisis due to the destruction of farmlands, water bodies, and ecosystems by these activities.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng described the looming threat of hunger as unimaginable, emphasizing that the continued destruction of vital agricultural lands and natural resources by illegal miners poses a severe risk to the nation's food security. Illegal miners are destroying all our pipelines and biodiversity, and nobody seems to care, he lamented. The former minister highlighted the lack of urgency and concrete action to address this growing menace, attributing it to a failure of leadership.
He criticized Ghana’s leadership, stating that the country does not have leaders who are genuinely concerned about the well-being of future generations. According to him, decisions are often driven by short-term gains rather than long-term sustainability. This lack of foresight, he argued, is evident in the government’s inability to effectively curb galamsey operations and protect critical environmental and agricultural resources.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng further observed that the lack of visionary leadership has contributed to widespread disillusionment among Ghana’s youth. He noted that many young people have lost hope in the country's leadership and do not see a promising future for themselves in Ghana. This, he warned, could have dire social and economic consequences if not addressed.
The professor called for immediate and decisive action to tackle the galamsey problem, preserve the country’s biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. He stressed the importance of prioritizing policies that safeguard the environment and support agricultural productivity, which are essential for national development and the survival of future generations.
In conclusion, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat illegal mining and promote responsible stewardship of Ghana's natural resources. Failure to act, he warned, would result in severe consequences, including food insecurity, environmental degradation, and a loss of faith in governance.
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