Galamsey: 'Time for mere talk is over, action needed' - Afenyo-Markin laments

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has emphasised the urgent need for decisive action to address the menace of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, he expressed concern over the widespread pollution of water bodies and the destruction of farmlands caused by galamsey.

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“Our rivers run brown with pollution, vast tracts of once fertile land lie scarred and toxic, and many of our citizens in mining communities face illness and danger from poisonous chemicals. We have talked about illegal mining for years, yet the problem has only grown worse. The time for mere talk is over,” he remarked.

According to him, visionary and coordinated action is required to safeguard the environment and protect future generations.

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Meanwhile, the government has officially declared the country’s rivers and forest reserves as security zones as part of renewed efforts to combat illegal mining, which continues to devastate water bodies and natural resources.

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