The Robotics Club of Academic City University has organised its annual Tech Expo to explore innovative and sustainable solutions to Ghana’s illegal mining crisis.

The event, organised in partnership with A Rocha Ghana, Asante Gold Corporation, and STEMAIDE, was held on the theme: “Innovating to Reverse the Effects of Galamsey and Restore the Earth.”

It focused on showcasing technological solutions aimed at addressing the environmental damage caused by years of illegal mining.

Participating senior high schools included Akosombo International School, Our Lady of Grace Senior High School, Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School, Legon, St. Louis Senior High School, Achimota School, Armed Forces Senior High Technical School, Methodist Girls' High School, and Amaniampong Senior High School.

The universities that took part included Ashesi University, Kumasi Technical University, University of Mines and Technology, Valley View University, Ghana Communication Technology University, and University of Ghana.

Speaking at the event, the Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, encouraged students to rise to the challenge of creating impactful innovations, noting that the younger generation has a crucial role to play in driving change.

She also urged the organisers to go beyond showcasing ideas by supporting them with resources to ensure their implementation.

The President of the Academic City Robotics Club, Ezekiel Kpodo, said the event was organised to give students a platform to support the fight against galamsey by presenting technological solutions to address the problem.

He noted that it had become necessary for the country to adopt technology-driven approaches to help reduce the environmental damage being caused by illegal mining.

He expressed confidence that the event would produce practical and innovative solutions from students that could be considered by authorities in tackling the environmental impact of galamsey.

As part of the expo, there was a panel discussion that focused on the impact of illegal mining and environmental degradation.

The panel included the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey; Winner Wendy Anane (Extractive Sector Safeguards Officer, A Rocha Ghana); Deborah Amoah-Awuah (Environmental Sustainability & ESG Professional), a representative of STEMAIDE, Jemimah Opata, and Rebecca Yekple (Founder & CEO, Foovante Global).

They expressed concern about how some illegal miners were now resorting to violence in their bid to protect themselves and perpetuate their illegal acts.

They also called for a sustained plan for the interventions being rolled out to deal with the menace.