Business leader Sir Sam Jonah has warned that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is more than an environmental crisis. He described it as an economic, public health and moral problem, and called for stronger accountability in how Ghana manages its natural resources and public funds.
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Sir Sam made the remarks on Thursday, October 15, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at an international conference in Accra organised by Methodist University Ghana to mark its 25th anniversary.
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Concern over destroyed rivers, forests and farmland
He voiced alarm at the destruction of rivers, forests and farmlands through irresponsible mining. “Rivers that fed our grandparents now run the colour of chocolate milk,” he said, describing the damage illegal mining is doing to water bodies and the environment.
Drawing on his experience in the mining industry, he challenged companies, policymakers and individuals to think about the long-term consequences of extracting resources and the legacy they will leave for future generations.
What will mining leave behind?
Sir Sam asked 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,” he said. He stressed that the pursuit of wealth must not come at the expense of communities and the natural environment.
A persistent national concern
His comments come amid ongoing concern about the effect of illegal mining on Ghana’s water bodies, forests and agricultural lands. The pollution of rivers used for drinking and other household purposes remains a major national worry, while the destruction of farmland threatens livelihoods and food production.
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