The Federation of Association of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, particularly in the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Regions.
In a statement released by the group, FAGE urged the government to take decisive action to curb the environmental destruction caused by these operations.
The Federation called for several urgent measures, including an immediate halt to all small-scale mining activities across the country and the deployment of security forces to affected areas to stop illegal mining.
Additionally, FAGE called for collaboration with traditional chiefs and civil society to eliminate illegal miners, a comprehensive plan to transition workers from illegal mining into agribusiness and manufacturing, funding for environmental restoration research, and swift prosecution of those responsible for environmental damage.
“Ghana’s future hangs in the balance. We demand immediate, decisive action to save our land, water, and people’s sustainable livelihoods,” the statement added.
