Samuel Owusu has called for stronger private sector partnerships and sustained international support to help Ghana fight illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
Speaking at the 11th Annual UN Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals in New York City, the West Africa Head of Mission for the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission and Country Director of the International Association of World Peace Advocates said illegal mining continues to damage Ghana’s environment and water bodies.
According to him, galamsey has become a major national problem that is affecting rivers, farmlands, and public health in many communities.
“Galamsey has become a national crisis, polluting rivers, degrading farmland, and endangering public health in affected communities,” he said.
Amb. Owusu added that polluted water sources, unsafe living conditions, and reported birth defects show the growing impact of illegal mining on local communities.
He noted that although governments and civil society groups have introduced measures to address the issue, the fight against galamsey remains difficult because of weak monitoring systems, limited technology, and inadequate resources.
The diplomat urged authorities to use science, technology, and innovation to strengthen the fight against illegal mining. He highlighted tools such as real-time water quality monitoring, geospatial mapping, and radiation detection systems as important measures for tracking pollution and supporting enforcement efforts.
“To make this work, we need stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, and more importantly, sustained support from the United Nations and international partners,” he stated.
He warned that Ghana could lose critical water resources if urgent and coordinated action is not taken.
Amb. Owusu also announced that the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission and IAWPA-Ghana will host this year’s Africa Union Day celebration on May 25, 2026, at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.
The event will be held under the theme: Assuring Sustainable Water, Technology, Peace and Security.
