A renowned reporter, Ohene Anochie has called on Ghanaians to move beyond mere discussions and take urgent, concrete action to address the growing illegal mining (galamsey) menace. In an interview with AMN News on Thursday, Anochie expressed frustration over the continued environmental destruction caused by galamsey and criticized the lack of tangible solutions to combat the problem.
“Talking without any action won’t solve any problem. We’ve been discussing galamsey for years, yet the situation keeps getting worse. It’s time for us to wake up and take serious action before it’s too late,” Anochie said.
His comments come as illegal mining continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s natural resources, including rivers, forests, and farmlands. Despite several government interventions, including the formation of military task forces and temporary bans on small-scale mining, galamsey activities persist, causing widespread environmental degradation and affecting communities across the country.
Ohene Anochie, who recently released a damning report on the environmental and social impact of galamsey, emphasized that the endless talk shows, political speeches, and media coverage about the issue have yet to produce the necessary results. He challenged Ghanaians to demand accountability from political leaders and actively participate in efforts to protect the environment.
“We’ve heard the promises, the speeches, and the policies, but where are the results? Our rivers are still polluted, our farmlands destroyed, and communities are suffering. We need to stop talking and start holding people accountable, some of us have been threaten several times due to our reportage on polluted water bodies in the country” Anochie charged.
He also took aim at government officials and local authorities, accusing them of failing to enforce laws against illegal mining. According to Anochie, corruption and lack of political will are at the heart of the galamsey problem, allowing illegal miners to operate with impunity.
“Many of those in power are either benefiting from galamsey or turning a blind eye to it. If we don’t stop this corruption, no amount of talk will change anything. We need leaders who will act, not just speak,” he added.
Anochie urged communities affected by illegal mining to take the lead in protecting their lands and water bodies. He called for grassroots activism, community-led monitoring, and collaboration with environmental organizations to curb the spread of galamsey.
“The people in these affected communities must take charge. It’s your land, your water, and your future. Waiting for politicians to fix it won’t work. You must be part of the solution, and we must all stand together in this fight,” he stressed.
The galamsey issue has become a national crisis, with rivers like the Pra and Ankobra severely polluted by toxic chemicals used in illegal mining operations. In addition to environmental damage, galamsey has led to the displacement of communities and the loss of livelihoods, especially in mining areas.
While several initiatives, such as Operation Vanguard and Operation Halt, were launched to combat the menace, their impact has been limited, with many illegal miners continuing their activities in secret or in remote areas. Anochie’s call to action underscores the growing public frustration with the lack of progress in dealing with galamsey.
As the environmental damage caused by galamsey worsens, many are calling for stronger enforcement of laws, harsher penalties for illegal miners, and greater political accountability. Anochie’s message to Ghanaians is clear: the future of the country’s environment is at stake, and only bold, decisive action can save it.
“Every day we delay, more of our environment is lost. Talking won’t save our rivers or our lands. Only action will,” he concluded.
AMN | Anochie’s Report | Accra.
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