Galamsey Crisis: Time to Take Bold, Decisive Action – Acting Chief Justice Urges Leaders
The Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, is calling on Ghana’s political leaders to take strong, decisive action to put an end to illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, which continues to destroy the country’s environment and livelihoods.
He expressed deep concern that despite some attempts to tackle the issue, the problem is actually getting worse. He described the current efforts as “half-hearted” and ineffective, warning that galamsey poses a serious and growing threat to the nation’s future.
“When you consider the loss of lives, the suffering of communities, and the environmental destruction galamsey has caused, it’s clear that the time for bold and far-reaching action is now. We can’t afford to keep dragging our feet,” he said.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie specifically pointed to the continued delay in repealing L.I. 2462, a legal instrument that allows mining in forest reserves. He called for its immediate removal, saying it would be a powerful first step in the fight against illegal mining.
“It’s already September 2025, and we’re still hesitating on repealing a law that enables mining in our forests. If we’re truly serious about winning this fight, this is where we should start — and we must do it without further delay,” he stressed.
These remarks were delivered on his behalf by Supreme Court Justice Hafisata Amaleboba during the annual conference of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) in Wa, in the Upper West Region.
The True Cost of Galamsey
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie painted a grim picture of the damage caused by illegal mining. He said galamsey has poisoned water bodies, wiped out forests, ruined fertile farmland, and left many farmers and their families displaced.
He also highlighted the broader impact on society — worsening poverty, increasing the spread of mercury-related illnesses, and threatening the country’s food security.
“While a few people may earn quick money, the long-term consequences are devastating — higher living costs, less food production, and lasting environmental harm,” he explained.
He didn’t stop there. He warned that galamsey is also fueling rising insecurity in the country, including theft, violence, and other crimes, many of which are linked to foreign nationals involved in illegal mining activities.
Quoting renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, he said:
“The death that will kill a man begins as an appetite,” — a powerful reminder that problems like galamsey, if left unchecked, can quickly grow into full-blown national disasters.
Rising Drug Abuse Also a Growing Concern
Shifting focus, the Acting Chief Justice also sounded the alarm over the rising problem of drug abuse among the youth. He called for a more well-rounded, collaborative approach to addressing the crisis.
He stressed the importance of education and public awareness, saying schools, families, and communities must work together to give young people the right information and support early on.
“We need to make sure young people understand the dangers of drug use — and that they know where to turn for help before it’s too late,” he said.
He also pushed for stronger support systems such as counselling services, rehab centres, and helplines for those battling addiction.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized the need to train parents, teachers, and community leaders to spot early warning signs, while also strengthening law enforcement efforts to cut off the supply of illegal drugs.
“Most importantly, we must build a society where recovery is supported and not shamed. By ending the stigma around addiction, we make it easier for young people to seek help without fear or embarrassment,” he concluded.
