UG Climaxes 2024 DSRA Celebration with a Focus on Galamsey and the need to Preserve the Environment
The University of Ghana climaxed the 2024 edition of the Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) celebration with an event that featured keynote speakers and a panel discussion on the theme: "Galamsey: Preserving the Environment, Protecting Our Future."
Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the event brought together experts and stakeholders to deliberate on the challenges posed by illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey, and to propose solutions to mitigate its harmful effects on the environment and public health.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Amfo explained that the event aimed to provide a clear understanding of the current state of Ghana’s distressed water bodies and forest vegetation, reminding all of the imminent danger the country faces and calling for immediate action to halt the pervasive practice of galamsey in the society.
"The deforestation rate in Ghana is alarming," she noted. "We are gradually losing our tree cover, much of which can be attributed to illegal mining activities. The World Bank highlights that Ghana's deforestation rate is one of the highest in Africa, with significant portions of our forest being cleared for illegal mining. This deforestation exacerbates soil erosion, reduces biodiversity, and adversely contributes to climate change. Beyond the environmental impacts, the health implications are also profound. Toxic chemicals used in illegal mining, such as mercury and cyanide, contaminate water sources and soil, posing serious health risks to us all", she lamented.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, emphasised the critical importance of multidisciplinary research and collaboration. "As we celebrate this day, we are reminded of the necessity to bring together experts and scientists to examine the threat of illegal mining and its impact on our land, health and economy" he said.
Prof. Asante stressed that "we each have a responsibility to work together to find solutions to this pressing challenge. Let us leverage our collective expertise to develop innovative solutions that balance economic development with environmental protection and use this occasion to reaffirm our commitment to the values of scientific inquiry, collaboration, and sustainability."
The first keynote speaker, Prof. Benedicta Fosu-Mensah, Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS) who presented on the environmental impact of galamsey in Ghana and the way forward, proposed a seven-point plan to mitigate the severe environmental impacts of galamsey in Ghana.
She recommended adopting environmentally friendly mining techniques, providing alternative livelihood training in sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism as well as creating awareness campaigns on health and environmental impacts.
Additionally, she noted the importance of investing in scientific research and sustainable mining technologies, encouraging collaboration between government, academia, industry and civil society by providing alternative livelihoods for mining-reliant communities, and supporting reclamation projects to restore degraded land.
Prof. Benedict Nii Laryea Calys-Tagoe, University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS) presented findings on the health impacts of galamsey in Ghana. Using pictures and videos from mining sites, Prof. Carlys-Tagoe described severe health and environmental impacts, including noise-induced hearing loss, eye problems, physical injuries, and contamination of water sources.
He underscored the need for stricter regulations and protocols to protect miners' health and safety, as well as the political will to end illegal mining, to achieve sustainability and land reclamation.
Prof. Richmond Aryeetey, School of Public Health (SPH), the last keynote speaker, shared stories from his fieldwork that highlighted the diverse social impacts of galamsey in Ghana. He noted how galamsey initially provided livelihoods but now leaves communities struggling with land degradation and contamination concerns, affecting food systems, diet and farmers' abilities to produce food.
He called for a greater policy focus on galamsey's hidden social costs, such as risks to children and barriers to education.
The event continued with a panel discussion on the theme. The panel included Prof. Gladys Nyarko Ansah, Head, Department of English; Prof. Christopher Gordon, Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS); Mr. Kingsley Amoakwa Boadu, Managing Partner and Co-founder of Amoakwa Boadu and Osei Mensah Law Consult; Mr. Erastus Asare-Donkor, Broadcast Journalist, Multimedia Group Ltd. and Mr. Bright Frimpong, PhD student in Environmental Science.
The panelists discussed the impact of galamsey on agriculture, public health, and the environment, proposing solutions such as strengthening laws and regulations, community engagement and holding miners accountable for reclamation.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Amfo drew on her experience growing up in a mining community, noting the stark contrast between the wealthy residential areas for mining company employees and the poor neighboring communities impacted by galamsey. She called for attention to social inequities in mining towns, the unequal distribution of mining benefits and consistent advocacy
Dr. Elizier T. Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director, Public Affairs, in delivering the vote of thanks, encouraged spreading awareness of the anti-galamsey messages discussed and urged attendees to play an active role in combating galamsey's negative impacts on health, food systems and the environment.
The event was interspersed with dance performances by the Ghana Dance Ensemble and a beautiful spoken word rendition by Miss Monica Agyei, an Administrative Assistant at the Office of Research Innovation and Development. An exhibition of scholarly works, innovative technologies and products developed by the various departments and units of the University, was mounted at the foyer of the Cedi Conference Centre.
Also present at the event were the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Students Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare; the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Provosts, Deans, Directors and other members from the University community.
Students from the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC) and Achimota School, were also present.