The Ghana Institution of Geoscientists has called on the government to impose a ban on all forms of small-scale mining for a period of six to 12 months.
This urgent appeal comes in response to the escalating environmental degradation and health risks associated with illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
General Secretary of the Ghana Institution of Geoscientists, Prof Prince Ofori Amponsah in an interview on the Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday highlighted the severe impact of small-scale mining on the environment, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion.
He emphasised that these activities are causing irreversible damage to the country's natural resources and posing significant threats to public health and food security.
He stressed the need for a temporary ban to allow for the restoration of affected areas and the implementation of more effective regulatory measures. "We are calling as an institute that at least there must be a six to one year ban on small scale mining in all forms whether legal or illegal.
Community mining we are calling that we stop and reset the clock," Prof Amponsah stated.