The Akyempimhene of Kwahu Obo, Barimah Dr Addofo Kissi I, has warned that the country faces a looming national crisis if illegal mining (galamsey) continues unchecked, urging decisive action to safeguard the country's environment and future.
He said unchecked galamsey could trigger a national water crisis, reduce food production, increase public health costs, and leave future generations with polluted rivers, degraded forests and barren lands.
He explained that while mining has long been part of the nation's history, illegal mining has evolved into a highly mechanised and destructive enterprise driven by rising gold prices, weak law enforcement, corruption, poverty, political interference, and foreign involvement.
Barimah Dr Addofo Kissi I, stressed that the fight against galamsey should not focus solely on illegal miners, but also target financiers, gold buyers, smugglers, corrupt public officials and others who profit from the illicit trade.
Delivering a speech at the launch of 'The Galamsey King Must Dance Naked and Other Stories From the Red Earth' in Accra last Saturday, he mentioned that chiefs have limited legal authority over mining activities, as mineral resources are vested in the state under Ghana's Constitution.
"Going forward, if galamsey continues unchecked, Ghana faces profound consequences.
We may face a national water crisis. Food production could decline significantly," he said.
To address the menace, he called for stronger law enforcement free from political interference, prosecution of financiers and sponsors, the establishment of specialised environmental courts, stricter monitoring of mining concessions, protection of rivers and forests as no-mining zones, and the electronic tracking of mining equipment.
He also advocated reforms to legal small-scale mining, the creation of alternative livelihoods for mining communities, environmental education, land reclamation, and nationwide river restoration programmes.
"If we act decisively today, our children and grandchildren will inherit clean rivers, fertile lands, and healthy forests.
If we fail, they will inherit polluted water, degraded land, and many other problems.
Let us therefore commit ourselves to protect the natural resources that God has entrusted to our care. Together, we can win the fight against galamsey."
Book launch
Written by Mechanical Engineer, Martey Justice Akita and published by Larajah Limited, the book draws on the author's rich experiences to deliver a powerful message about environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The 142-page book highlights how galamsey pollutes rivers, destroys forests and farmlands, harms communities, and threatens the country's future.
Described as more than fiction, the book serves as a warning and a call to action, urging environmental activists, policymakers, and citizens to confront the consequences of illegal mining and work together to protect Ghana's natural resources.
The official launch, held in Accra last Saturday, brought together leading environmental activists, traditional leaders, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
Notable among the attendees were the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Nii Moi Thompson; politician and Diplomat Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe; Representative of UNESCO in Ghana, Edmund Mukaila; environmentalist and human rights advocate Awula Serwaa and CEO of Larajah Limited, Mrs Hajarah Daniels.
Firsthand witness
The author, Justice Akita, said his decision to write 'The Galamsey King Must Dance Naked and Other Stories From the Red Earth' was inspired by his travels across the country, where he witnessed the devastating environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
He recounted his shock at discovering that galamsey had spread beyond southern Ghana to the Upper West Region, describing the experience as deeply disturbing and the catalyst for writing the book.
Mr Akita also reflected on his personal journey of living with a disability and the academic challenges he overcame through determination. He said these experiences strengthened his resilience and commitment to using storytelling to address national issues.
He concluded by posing a thought-provoking question that inspired the book's central message: "Can we eat gold?
Can we drink gold?"— a reminder that Ghana's natural resources, particularly its land and water, are far more valuable than the wealth generated through destructive mining practices.
