Frank B. Adu Jr., a retired banker and member of the Ghana Anti-Galamsey Coalition, has described illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as an outright war declared on the people of Ghana.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, October 12, he expressed deep concern about the devastating effects of galamsey on the country's environment, water bodies, public health and the livelihoods of citizens.

Mr Adu Jr. pointed out that the reckless destruction caused by illegal mining is tantamount to an attack on the nation’s resources, leaving future generations vulnerable.

He stressed that galamsey is not just an environmental issue but a direct threat to the survival and well-being of Ghanaians.

According to him, the actions of galamsey operators, driven by greed and disregard for the law, must be seen as a national emergency.

The retired banker also criticised the government’s efforts in combating galamsey, calling them inadequate and lacking urgency.

He emphasised that while various measures have been proposed, the lack of sustained political will and enforcement has allowed illegal miners to continue their destructive activities unchecked.

Mr Adu Jr. called for more decisive actions, including stricter enforcement of laws, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring that local communities are protected.

He thus urged Ghanaians to unite in the fight against galamsey, calling for a collective effort to preserve the country's natural resources.

"Having listened to the experts on this issue and the period it will take for this damage to be repaired and the problems associated with it vis-a-vis medical problems, social problems and economic problems and while I have always fought against galamsey for the past ten years, for me now I see it as an outright war that has been declared on Ghanaians because this activity, this illegal mindless activity is wreaking havoc on us. It is a calculated genocide to benefit a few pockets," he lamented.