Outgoing Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Tom Norring, has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of illegal small-scale mining, or galamsey, on the country’s environment and economy.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, which was monitored by Ghanaian RADAR, Ambassador Norring described galamsey as a grave challenge that poses significant threats to Ghana’s future, despite government efforts to regulate the sector.
“The conversation about mining and water conservation is ongoing, but there are activities directly in that area. We do have companies that can deliver technologies, but it’s not the solution to the whole problem; it is humongous, and in 10 years, I do not want to think about the consequences,” Norring warned. He emphasized that alternative methods for small-scale mining exist, but the high cost of legal operations remains a major barrier.
“The problem is that whether you are a small-scale miner, legal or illegal, the difference in cost is huge. I think that Ghana needs to find a way to deal with this,” Norring remarked. He also highlighted the broader implications of illegal mining, affecting not just the environment, but also law enforcement and livelihoods.
“They have to find a way to deal with the illegal mining because it is not just a problem in terms of the environment—it is also about legality and how many people are making a living off illegal mining,” he added.
The Galamsey Menace
Ghana has struggled to combat galamsey, which continues to devastate forest reserves and pollute vital water bodies. Despite efforts by previous administrations, progress has been limited. The current government has introduced the Blue Water Guards initiative, aimed at supporting enforcement efforts as whistleblowers for the government and security agencies.
Norrings’ concerns echo those of environmental groups and citizens who have taken to the streets to protest against galamsey. With about 40% of Ghana’s total gold output coming from small-scale mines, and 70-80% of these mines operating without licenses, the issue remains a pressing concern for the government.
