The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for tougher enforcement of environmental laws and faster prosecution of illegal mining offences, warning that the uncontrolled use of toxic chemicals poses a grave threat to human life.
She described illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as a form of chemical warfare, citing the dangers associated with the use of mercury and cyanide outside regulated mining operations.
According to her, the impact of the practice extends beyond the destruction of rivers, forests and farmlands to the potential contamination of water sources and serious risks to public health.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during a working visit to the Eastern Region, where she met the Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, as part of engagements with mining districts.
“If you are to break it down to what it is, this is a form of chemical warfare, if you ask me, because the use of hazardous chemicals like cyanide and mercury outside of the confines of a properly regulated environment puts everyone at risk,” she said.
The minister said Ghana must begin to view illegal mining as a health emergency, warning that environmental contamination could have far-reaching consequences for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, infants and children.
She raised concerns about the possible effects of exposure to hazardous substances on maternal and infant health, including congenital abnormalities and infant mortality.
“This is not just an issue around the environment. This is a health crisis as well,” she stressed.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings also warned that continued destruction of agricultural lands and pollution of water bodies could undermine Ghana’s food security and access to safe drinking water.
She cautioned that failure to address the menace decisively could leave lasting damage for future generations.
The minister expressed concern about the proximity of illegal mining activities to public infrastructure in the Eastern Region, particularly operations reportedly taking place less than 200 metres from a major road.
She described the situation as unacceptable and urged the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to investigate how the activities had continued despite measures to combat illegal mining.
“What we saw was disturbing, extremely disturbing, and we really need to do a little bit more,” she said.
Her concerns come amid continuing efforts by the government and security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining and restore degraded areas.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings called for the establishment of specialised fast-track courts to handle environmental offences, arguing that speedier prosecutions and tougher consequences could strengthen enforcement.
She maintained that the fight against illegal mining should not be politicised, insisting that individuals who breach environmental regulations must be held accountable.
The minister said the government was also working to provide small-scale miners with legal and sustainable alternatives, including training to improve mining practices and reduce environmental harm.
However, she questioned why some operators continued to engage in destructive activities despite the availability of such interventions.
“If we are providing alternatives and putting money into training people on how to engage in safe small-scale mining, and people are still opting to do this, for me, it’s a blatant disregard of everything we hold dear as a country,” she said.
She emphasised that the pursuit of financial gain should not be allowed to endanger lives, damage the environment or compromise the rights of other citizens.
The minister also drew attention to the scale of illegal mining in Ghana’s forest reserves, referencing remarks by President John Dramani Mahama at the Mining in Motion event.
According to the figures she cited, more than 30 forest reserves had been encroached upon by illegal miners, with nine classified as red zones where forest cover had been cleared.
She acknowledged that efforts to combat galamsey were continuing but stressed the need for stronger action against operators who persist in mining illegally and openly.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings reaffirmed the government’s responsibility to protect natural resources and safeguard the health and well-being of citizens, calling for closer coordination among relevant institutions.
