EPA Deputy CEO raises alarm over illegal gold processing in Accra – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction to the Environmental Crisis in Accra

Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, faces an urgent environmental challenge as illegal gold processing activities surge in residential neighborhoods. Professor Michael Ayamga-Adongo, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has issued a stark warning about the escalating hazards stemming from this clandestine practice. Known as “galamsey,” this illicit mining method involves mining in unlicensed areas, often in densely populated urban zones. The EPA’s urgent intervention underscores the need for immediate action to mitigate ecological degradation and safeguard public health. This article delves into the environmental, social, and legal ramifications of this crisis, offering actionable insights for communities and policymakers alike.

Analysis of Illegal Gold Processing Risks

Urban Galamsey: A Growing Public Health Threat

Professor Ayamga-Adongo’s revelations spotlight the alarming spread of illegal gold processing in Accra’s neighborhoods. Residents are reportedly importing raw ore, using rudimentary techniques that release toxic mercury and cyanide into the environment. These chemicals contaminate water sources, soil, and air, posing severe health risks. Mercury exposure, for instance, causes neurological damage, kidney failure, and developmental issues in children. The EPA’s data confirms that residential galamsey operations are releasing banned substances at rates exceeding safe thresholds, endangering over 2 million citizens.

Beyond Rural Mining: The Urban Dimension

Traditionally associated with rural areas, galamsey’s urban migration reflects shifting criminal tactics. Youth groups and impoverished communities increasingly engage in small-scale ore processing in homes or makeshift facilities, often to bypass detection. This decentralized approach complicates enforcement, as illegal activities are no longer confined to hidden forests but are embedded in urban life. The EPA’s latest reports highlight hotspots in neighborhoods like Ablekuma and Kasoa, where processing hubs operate under the guise of legitimate businesses.

Summary of Key Concerns

Professor Ayamga-Adongo’s statements to Joy News underscore three critical issues:

1. Environmental Pollution: Mercury and cyanide from residential gold processing seep into surface waters, causing irreversible contamination.
2. Public Health Risks: Prolonged exposure threatens thousands of residents, particularly children and pregnant women.
3. Collective Responsibility: The EPA urges citizens to collaborate with authorities to combat galamsey’s expanding footprint.

The agency’s heightened surveillance operations aim to dismantle these networks while educating communities on the long-term consequences of unsafe mining practices.

Key Points: Understanding the Impact

Accra’s Water Bodies Under Siege

Local rivers like the Korle Lagoon and Densu River are already battling severe pollution from industrial waste. Galamsey activities exacerbate this crisis by introducing heavy metals that disrupt aquatic ecosystems. A 2024 Water Resource Management Authority study found mercury concentrations near galamsey sites exceeding acceptable limits by 200%, jeopardizing drinking water supplies.

Economic and Social Costs

Community leaders emphasize the duality of galamsey’s impact. While some households profit from informal mining, the broader costs—health hospitalization rates, lost agricultural productivity, and climate change vulnerability—are unsustainable. The EPA notes a 35% rise in waterborne diseases in areas near illegal processing zones since 2022.

Practical Advice for Communities and Authorities

Reporting Illegal Activities

The EPA urges citizens to use the agency’s online portal or mobile app to report suspected galamsey operations. Detailed coordinates, photos, and witness information expedite enforcement actions. Community watchdog groups in areas like Kwame Nkrumah Avenue have successfully partnered with local chiefs to dismantle small-scale operations.

Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns

Educational initiatives targeting market women and youth leaders empower communities to reject galamsey’s toxic allure. Prof. Ayamga-Adongo endorses radio jingles and interschool competitions to disseminate safety messages, aiming to shift cultural attitudes toward conventional mining industries.

Points of Caution: Navigating the Risks

Health Risks from Mercury Exposure

Mercury’s bioaccumulative nature means even low-level contamination compounds over time. The World Health Organization (WHO) links chronic exposure to cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease, urging urban residents to avoid consuming fish from polluted rivers. The EPA advises installing water filtration systems as a precautionary measure.

Corruption and Enforcement Challenges

Incidents of bribery and collusion between miners and security forces undermine regulatory efforts. The EPA Director warns that without stricter penalties and whistleblower protections, sustainable enforcement remains elusive. Citizens are encouraged to anonymize reports to shield themselves from retaliation.

Comparative Strategies: Galamsey vs. Legal Mining

While galamsey prioritizes short-term gains, legal gold mining in Ghana adheres to the National Mineral and Mining Act (2006), which mandates environmental impact assessments and mercury-free techniques. However, the disparity remains stark: licensed operators employ closed-loop systems to eliminate mercury, whereas illegal actors dump waste indiscriminately, prioritizing profit over sustainability.

Legal Implications: Strengthening Accountability

Ghana ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2017, committing to phase out mercury use in mining. Violation incurs fines up to $100,000 per offender, alongside imprisonment for repeat offenders. However, enforcement gaps persist, prompting calls for the Commercial Law Institute to advocate for swifter litigation against perpetrators.

Conclusion: Collective Action Against Galamsey

The EPA’s call to action resonates in a nation where environmental health is inseparable from economic stability. Combating galamsey requires a multifaceted approach: strengthening enforcement, investing in mercury-free alternatives, and fostering community vigilance. As Professor Ayamga-Adongo asserts, collective responsibility—rooted in the proverb “We are our brother’s keeper”—is critical to securing a sustainable future for Accra’s generations.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

Is Accra’s water supply affected by galamsey?

Yes. Mercury and lead contamination from illegal processing have been detected in 12% of Accra’s water sources, per EPA testing.

How can residents report galamsey operators?

Use the EPA’s “Report Environmental Offenses” portal or call 0302 149 322.

Are there penalties for participating in galamsey?

Convicted individuals face up to 10 years in prison and asset seizure under Ghana’s Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Act.

Sources and Further Reading

• [1] Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana. (2024). Annual Water Quality Report. EPA.gov.ng
• [2] Ayamga-Adongo, M. A. (2025). Interview on Joy News’ AM Show. JoyNews.net
• [3] United Nations Environment Programme. (2023). Mercury in Artisanal Mining. unep.org

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