General News of 2026-10-15
‘Rivers now run like chocolate milk’ - Sir Sam Jonah sounds alarm on ‘galamsey’
Business leader Sir Sam Jonah has warned that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is not merely an environmental crisis but also an economic, public health and moral problem, as he called for stronger accountability in the management of Ghana’s natural resources and public funds.
Delivering the keynote address at an international conference organised by Methodist University Ghana in Accra on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to mark the university’s 25th anniversary, Sir Sam expressed concern about the destruction of rivers, forests and farmlands through irresponsible mining activities.
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“Rivers that fed our grandparents now run the colour of chocolate milk,” he said, describing the damage illegal mining is causing to water bodies and the environment.
Drawing on his experience in the mining industry, the business leader challenged companies, policymakers and individuals to consider the long-term consequences of resource extraction and the legacy they are leaving for future generations.
He questioned whether mining would leave communities with polluted rivers and degraded land or deliver lasting benefits through investments in schools, roads, skills development and businesses.
“This is not only an environmental problem. It is an economic problem, a health problem and, in the end, a moral problem,” Sir Sam said, stressing that the pursuit of wealth must not come at the expense of communities and the natural environment.
His comments come amid persistent concerns about the impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s water bodies, forests and agricultural lands. The pollution of rivers used for drinking water and other domestic purposes has remained a major national concern, while the destruction of farmland threatens agricultural livelihoods and food production.
NA/EA
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