The contribution of Small-Scale Mining to the development of many countries is extremely huge. The mining industry supplies much to exports and serves as one of the main sources of employment for mankind.
It is currently the fifth largest industry in the world and plays a crucial role in the world’s economic development. The trade of mineral commodities represents a substantial part of international trade.
Mining investment, irrespective of the type or kind of mining being undertaken is capital intensive. It is a high-risk as well as a high-reward business for mining companies and communities.
Despite the enormous contribution of mining outlined, the negative impact Small Scale Mining, popularly known as Galamsay, creates can never be over-emphasised.
Across Ghana, mostly within Ashanti, Western, and Western North Regions, the activities of Galamsay have had major negative consequences on the inhabitants.
A recent article published in Morden Ghana revealed the devastating effect of flooding within the Asankragwa township (A town in the Western Region) as a result of the activities of Galamsay.
A search conducted by this writer suggests another detrimental effect of Galamsay on the Wassa Dunkwa-Enchi highway which connects the people of the Western Region to that of the Western North region.
The consequential detriment of Galamsay on Health has been left unattended. Yet much research has been done in the area.
Has the government of Ghana done much in the area of Galamsay by reducing it to its minimum level?
I believe this is a big question to be discussed some other day. As the section of people who are hit by these erroneous actions happen to be the citizenry, whether or not the government is doing bad, the lives of each individual must be taken into their own hands to protect the environment.
We must live up to expectations to protect the environment from the inhumane activities of Illegal Small-scale mining.
Let’s rise to the task.
