The Director of Communications at Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Mawusi Ama Mawuenyefia, has called on all Ghanaians to actively participate in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking at the launch of the Patriotic Journalists Against Galamsey (PAJAG), she emphasised that illegal mining is a national issue that affects everyone, regardless of their location.

According to her, many people may believe that because they live in urban areas such as Accra and are not directly involved in mining activities, they are not impacted. However, she explained that the consequences of illegal mining extend far beyond mining communities.

She noted that if a water treatment plant is shut down due to pollution caused by illegal mining, it could disrupt water supply to several communities, including those far away from the affected area. “Even if you live outside the region where the pollution occurs, you can still be affected,” she stressed.

Mawuenyefia, therefore, urged all citizens to see themselves as stakeholders in the fight against galamsey.

She called on journalists, media practitioners, and the public to use their voices, pens, and cameras to drive awareness and promote responsible narratives about mining.

She further explained that mining itself is a valuable economic activity and that the government is not against it. However, she cautioned that mining must not be done at the expense of human lives, water bodies, forests, and the environment.

“The fact that the government is not against mining does not mean individuals should engage in it irresponsibly,” she said.

She encouraged communities, cooperatives, and individuals involved in mining to adopt sustainable and responsible practices. This, she said, would ensure that natural resources such as land, water, and forests are preserved for future generations.