GMA Calls for Intensified and Sustained Action Against Galamsey
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) is stepping up its push for more rigorous, long-term measures to combat illegal mining, or galamsey, amid rising concerns about its toll on the environment and public health. In a communique released at the conclusion of its 67th Annual General Conference, medical professionals highlighted the need for a comprehensive national strategy that goes beyond short-term crackdowns.
Why Galamsey Poses a Health and Environmental Risk
Galamsey activities have long been linked to deforestation, river and soil pollution, and the contamination of water supplies. The consequences extend to communities relying on affected water sources for drinking, farming, and fishing, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, among other health issues. The GMA emphasizes that protecting citizens’ health requires tackling the root causes of illegal mining, including weak enforcement, illegal financing networks, and formal sector gaps that drive informal operators underground.
The Call: Sustained Government Action
At the heart of the GMA’s communiqué is a demand for sustained, multi-stakeholder action rather than episodic interventions. The association urged the government to adopt a holistic approach that includes robust enforcement of mining laws, rapid remediation of polluted sites, and ongoing monitoring of environmental and health outcomes in affected communities.
Key recommendations include increasing funding for regulatory agencies, deploying independent health impact assessments in galamsey hotspots, and expanding health surveillance programs to detect and address pollution-related illnesses early. The GMA also called for transparency in licensing processes to ensure that legitimate mining operations operate within safe and legal parameters, reducing the allure of illicit practices.
Health Sector Leadership in the Fight Against Galamsey
Medical professionals argue that the healthcare sector must be actively involved in anti-galamsey efforts. This includes training frontline workers to recognize and treat conditions arising from pollution exposure, integrating environmental health into medical curricula, and engaging communities in health education campaigns. By connecting environmental degradation to tangible health outcomes, health workers can play a pivotal role in mobilizing public support for sustainable mining practices.
What This Means for Communities and Policymakers
The GMA’s call to action serves as a reminder that the fight against galamsey is not solely a regulatory issue; it is a public health imperative. For communities, consistent enforcement paired with remediation efforts can restore trust in local leadership and the state’s commitment to safe living conditions. For policymakers, the message is clear: long-term planning, not short-term wins, will yield tangible improvements in environmental quality and population health.
Putting the Plan into Practice
Implementing a sustained anti-galamsey strategy requires collaboration across government ministries, traditional authorities, civil society, and the private sector. Independent monitoring, community engagement, and regular reporting on progress will be essential to maintaining public confidence. The GMA’s stance underscores the need for a unified national effort that aligns health priorities with environmental stewardship and economic reform.
Conclusion
As the galamsey challenge persists, the GMA’s call for stronger, sustained action provides a clear roadmap for a healthier future. By prioritizing enforcement, remediation, health surveillance, and transparent governance, Ghana can reduce the human and environmental costs of illegal mining while supporting lawful, responsible economic activity.
