The Casely Hayford Hall Alumni Association of the University of Cape Coast has joined the nationwide fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey, emphasizing that the battle is essential for the survival of future generations.

In a strongly worded statement, the alumni group expressed concern over the environmental degradation caused by the practice and called for collective action to safeguard Ghana’s natural wealth.

The alumni body also condemned the destructive impact of galamsey on water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems, stressing the urgent need to halt these activities.

“The fight against galamsey is a fight for the survival of future generations. Ghana cannot afford to lose its natural wealth and environmental integrity to the greed of a few individuals,” the association statement noted.

The group’s appeal aligns with growing national concerns over the environmental and socio-economic costs of illegal mining. Several rivers, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin, have become heavily polluted due to mining activities, rendering them unsafe for both human consumption and agriculture.

According to the alumni association, failure to act would not only harm the environment but also jeopardize the livelihoods of future generations.

“It is time to act decisively to ensure that Ghana’s natural resources are not depleted for the benefit of a few at the expense of the many,” the group urged.

They also demanded that the government impose a nationwide moratorium on all unregulated mining activities. The association stressed that a zero-tolerance policy is necessary to allow for meaningful reforms and enhanced regulation of the sector.

The group also called for a need for strict enforcement of environmental protection laws, calling for accountability from both local and foreign operators involved in destructive mining.

"Those violating these laws must face the full rigour of the law to safeguard our ecosystems and resources," the statement read.

Additionally, they advocated for a comprehensive national strategy for sustainable resource management. It proposed a collaborative framework involving traditional authorities, local communities, and civil society to prioritize water conservation, rehabilitate degraded lands, and support affected communities.

As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the group urged all presidential candidates to make the fight against galamsey a top priority. It demanded that political leaders present clear, actionable plans with measurable outcomes and timelines to restore the environment.