Illegal mining poses the biggest threat to our economic survival – Prof Bokpin

Economist and Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, Godfred Bokpin, has sounded a caution over the devastating impact of irresponsible mining on the economic future of Ghana.

Sharing his thoughts on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, June 21, Prof Bokpin described illegal mining as the biggest existential threat to Ghana’s economic stability.

“I have said that if anything will cause me to leave this country, it will be irresponsible mining,” he said.

He explained that despite Ghana’s reliance on its natural resources for development, the unbridled destruction of the vegetation and water bodies through certain mining activities is severely undermining the nation’s long-term prospects.

In his estimation, the consequences of illegal and environmentally harmful mining has dire economic repercussions, beyond ecological degradation.

Dr Bokpin warned that if the trend continues unchecked, it could cripple sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and water resources, further burdening the already fragile economy.

He called on the government, civil society, and all relevant institutions to adopt a more urgent and coordinated approach to enforce mining regulations and hold perpetrators accountable.

“The biggest threat to Ghana’s economic survival is irresponsible mining,” Prof Bokpin stressed

He subsequently, urged the country to act decisively before the damage becomes irreversible.

VPO/EB

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb's tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below: