Anti-galamsey protest: Work together to address illegal mining – UN urges Ghana

The United Nations has called on Ghanaians to work together to eradicate illegal mining, which continues to wreak havoc on the environment, economy, and social fabric of the country.

This plea comes in the wake of ongoing protests against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has led to widespread public outcry.

In a statement released by the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Charles Abani, the United Nations emphasised the severe consequences of unregulated mining, which extends beyond Ghana and impacts the entire West African region.

“Illegal and unregulated mining has devastating economic, social, and environmental consequences,” the statement read. “It exacerbates poverty, damages livelihoods, pollutes the environment, negatively impacts health and water, disrupts peace, and fuels illicit financial flows.”

Mr Abani further stressed the importance of peaceful demonstrations, urging protesters to remain calm and law-abiding while calling on the police to uphold professionalism in maintaining public order.

“We call on all protesters to maintain a peaceful and responsible approach and on the police to maintain professionalism in protecting law and order while upholding human and civil rights,” he stated.

The United Nations also called for unity among all sectors of Ghanaian society to address the illegal mining crisis.

“We call on all leaders in Ghana—government, national institutions, political parties, traditional and religious institutions, civil society, the private sector, and all citizens—across all opinion spectrums to work together to address this challenge. Ghana must succeed,” Abani urged.

The UN statement reiterated its support for sustainable and environmentally friendly actions in line with its #PactfortheFuture initiative, which focuses on climate action, environmental protection, and the creation of a brighter future for generations yet unborn.

“The UN in Ghana supports all actions in line with the #PactfortheFuture—including sustainability, climate action, the environment, and pollution—that secure a peaceful, brighter future for people, the planet, and generations yet unborn. This is our collective ambition,” Mr Abani concluded.