The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has described illegal mining involving hazardous chemicals as a form of “chemical warfare” against Ghanaians, warning of its potential consequences for public health and the environment.
She has called for the establishment of fast-track environmental courts to ensure the swift prosecution of environmental offences, arguing that the effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, go beyond the destruction of forests and water bodies.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings made the remarks during a tour of parts of the Eastern Region, where she expressed concern about illegal mining activities at Osino, reportedly taking place less than 200 metres from a major road despite ongoing efforts to reclaim degraded lands.
Speaking at the official residence of the Eastern Regional Minister, she urged the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to use its security mandate to address the continued operations of illegal miners in the area.
She questioned why the miners were still operating openly despite efforts to protect the environment and restore lands damaged by their activities.
The Minister warned that the use of hazardous chemicals such as cyanide and mercury outside properly regulated environments posed serious risks to human health, exposing nearby communities to potentially harmful substances.
“This is a form of chemical warfare, if you ask me, because the use of hazardous chemicals like cyanide and mercury outside of the confines of a properly regulated environment puts everyone at risk,” she said.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings further warned that exposure to these chemicals could have serious health consequences, including congenital deformities and maternal and infant mortality.
She stressed that galamsey should not be viewed solely as an environmental problem, given the potential effects on human health and the well-being of communities.
The Minister also cautioned that the destruction of the Eastern Region’s natural resources could undermine its development potential and leave future generations to bear the cost of environmental damage.
Her call for fast-track environmental courts forms part of the push for stronger enforcement and accountability in addressing illegal mining and other environmental offences.
