A leading member of the United Party (UP), Solomon Owusu, has warned that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, could place a massive financial burden on Ghana’s healthcare system if urgent steps are not taken to stop the practice.
Speaking on TV3, Owusu said the long-term health and environmental consequences of illegal mining could end up costing the country more than the economic benefits generated from its mineral resources.
According to him, increasing reports of kidney-related diseases linked to polluted water bodies and environmental degradation should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers.
“If we don’t deal with this problem, you will be growing your economy only to spend the money in the health sector,” he said.
Owusu stressed that Ghana could continue to benefit from its rich mineral resources without allowing illegal mining to flourish, insisting that responsible mining practices remain the only sustainable path.
“The gold beneath the earth, we need it. We are a Gold Coast. Nobody is denying that, but there are responsible ways,” he stated.
He also expressed concern that illegal mining activities often become more widespread during election periods, making enforcement increasingly difficult as political interests come into play.
“My difficulty is that we are nowhere near Election 2028. If you can’t deal with them now, what will be the fate of this country when we get closer to elections?” he questioned.
Owusu urged authorities to enforce existing mining and environmental laws without fear or favour, arguing that decisive action now would help protect both Ghana’s natural resources and the health of future generations.
He maintained that the country’s fight against galamsey should focus on ensuring that all mining activities are carried out legally and in an environmentally responsible manner, warning that failure to act could have devastating consequences for Ghana’s economy, public health and environment.
