The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has condemned illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey, recognising the severe threat they pose to the nation’s environment, water bodies, farmlands, and public health.

In a statement dated April 26, the GBA called for immediate, decisive, and sustained action from all arms of government, law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders to address the issue.

The association highlighted the significant environmental damage caused by illegal mining, including contamination of water sources and serious risks to public health.

The GBA stressed the importance of a unified effort to eradicate galamsey, which it views as a major threat to the country’s natural resources.

"The Ghana Bar Association unequivocally condemns the ongoing galamsey activities across the country," the statement read.

"We call for immediate, decisive, and sustained action by all arms of government, law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders to eradicate this menace", it added.

The GBA further called on the judiciary to take action in handling galamsey-related cases.

"We urge the judiciary to prioritise and expedite the hearing of galamsey-related cases," the statement continued. "Offenders must be held accountable in accordance with the law, without fear or favour."