The Convener of the Media Coalition against Illegal Mining, Kenneth Ashigbey, has said Ghana's very existence is threatened by illegal mining if urgent steps are not taken to end the menace.

He argued that although there is modern technology that could be adopted to trace those engaged in illegal mining, the authorities have refused to adopt these measures and find those who commit such atrocities.

“When Erastus [Asare Donkor] was taken to court by Heritage Imperial, in their court document they talked about the fact that they were involved in a mining activity. We wrote to the Environmental Protection Agency.

“The EPA said they do not have the permit to do that. So, why are we not dealing with that? You see when we don’t deal with the root causes of the challenges that face us and keep on dealing with just the symptoms, we will be mining in 13 regions by the time we see it our very existence would be gone,” he said.

He said this at the JoyNews National Dialogue on Illegal Mining on Monday, December 4, 2023.

The convener said while many Ghanaians in the capital may not feel that the practice directly affects them, the environmental and social costs of illegal mining are felt across the country.

Mr Ashigbey urged Ghanaians to take a stand against the practice as it is a necessary step in protecting the nation's resources and future.

He stressed that the long-term costs of illegal mining, from environmental degradation to human exploitation, far outweigh any perceived benefits.