Minister of Energy,John Jinapor has issued a stern warning about the growing threat that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, poses to the country’s transition to clean and renewable energy.
In a recent statement, the Ministry expressed deep concern over the environmental damage caused by these unlawful activities and how they are undermining the government’s efforts to build a sustainable and resilient energy sector.
Galamsey has long been a major environmental challenge in Ghana, but its impact now extends beyond land and water degradation—it is directly threatening the country’s energy future. According to the Ministry, widespread deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion caused by illegal mining are disrupting natural ecosystems and jeopardizing resources that are vital for renewable energy development, especially hydropower and solar energy projects.
“Green energy depends on healthy environmental systems. Our rivers, forests, and landscapes play an essential role in supporting energy infrastructure. When these are destroyed, our energy future is put at risk.” the Ministry noted.
The contamination of water bodies with toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, commonly used in galamsey operations, poses a particularly severe risk. These pollutants not only harm biodiversity and local communities but also impact water availability and quality for energy production.
Hydropower plants, for example, rely on clean and steady water flows, and any disruption in river systems directly affects their efficiency and long-term viability.
Additionally, the deforestation caused by galamsey is altering weather patterns and reducing the land available for clean energy installations such as solar farms. These environmental changes, the Ministry warned, could result in long-term consequences that hinder Ghana’s ability to meet its commitments under international climate agreements and its own national energy policies.
In light of these threats, the Ministry is urging for immediate, coordinated action to curb illegal mining across the country. It is calling on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to clamp down on galamsey operators, while also encouraging government institutions, traditional authorities, and civil society groups to collaborate more effectively in the fight against illegal mining.
Moreover, the Ministry highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable livelihoods for individuals and communities involved in galamsey. It argued that providing alternative income-generating opportunities is key to reducing the economic dependency on illegal mining and protecting the environment in the long term.
“The fight against galamsey is not just about stopping environmental degradation; it is about preserving our future. A successful green energy transition is essential for Ghana’s economic development, public health, and climate resilience,” the Ministry emphasized
As Ghana continues to invest in renewable energy infrastructure and work toward a cleaner energy mix, the Energy Ministry is reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding natural resources from destruction. It stressed that addressing galamsey is not optional—it is a national priority that must be tackled with urgency and resolve.
The Ministry’s warning serves as a reminder that the journey toward a greener, more sustainable Ghana cannot be achieved without protecting the very environment that supports it.
story by: Leanne Opoku-Agyemang