The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, has raised concerns over the detrimental effects of illegal mining on Ghana's overall stability.

According to her, illegal mining poses an existential threat that extends beyond the immediate risks faced by local communities.

Speaking on the JoyNews' AM show on Wednesday, she stated that, "Beyond the fact that illegal mining and galamsey are a threat to the stability of the state, we have examples in the sub-region for all of us to see. We all know about illegal mining. The role it played in escalating the conflict in Sierra Leone and Liberia and destabilizing the country for years. Those conflicts went on much longer than they should have because the diamond mining elements continue to fuel.”

 She urged authorities to take decisive steps against illegal mining to prevent the potential destabilization of the country.

Mrs. Addy warned of severe consequences should illegally mining activities be allowed to continue unabated, emphasising that the issue extends beyond mere discourse.

She called for a united front in addressing the pressing issue, asserting that the well-being of Ghana's future is at stake.

 “It may look like life goes on, but the moment we cross the line into an era of instability, then other forces would come in, and we would have a really major problem in our country”, she noted.