Academic City University College has organised a seminar titled "Unpacking Galamsey: Uncovering Treasures in Responsible Mining" to discuss the major issues surrounding illegal mining and explore ways to promote responsible and sustainable practices.

This forms part of its efforts to contribute to the fight against illegal mining, otherwise known as 'galamsey'.

The seminar highlighted key problems caused by galamsey, such as environmental destruction, health risks, and the social and economic factors driving the activity.

It brought together representatives from civil society, academia, industry, traditional leadership, and the media to find solutions from different perspectives.

Dr. Lucy Agyepong, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Academic City, stated that illegal mining is a deeply rooted issue tied to livelihoods and long-standing practices. 

She stressed the need for collaboration, diverse expertise, and collective action to understand and mitigate the issue’s far-reaching effects.

This seminar demonstrates Academic City’s commitment to addressing pressing national challenges.

By bringing people together to discuss and develop practical solutions, the university is playing a key role in promoting responsible mining and sustainable development for the future.

The panel included prominent personalities such as Osaberima Okoampa Asamoa Dekyem, Chief of Akyem Asamama; Ing. Dr. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications; Dr. Ishmael Quaicoe, Senior Lecturer, UMaT and Mr. Samuel Attah-Mensah, Managing Director of Citi FM.

They discussed ways to promote sustainable mining, reform policies, and empower communities to fight the negative effects of galamsey.

Dr Ken Ashigbey emphasised that illegal mining had shifted from being a survival-driven activity to one driven by unchecked greed and disproportionate wealth. 

“The real challenge lies not with the local communities earning modest amounts, but with those profiting millions from illegal mining activities without any accountability,” he said.

He said the disparity between the UAE's reported $7 billion in imports from Ghana and the $2 billion in exports from Ghana highlighted a significant issue, such that much of this value was funnelled into the pockets of individuals.

He added that there was a need to confront greed and ensure severe punishments to deter illegal activities while providing alternative resources for those who needed them for livelihoods.