The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) convened a pivotal seminar on the growing menace of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), highlighting its devastating effects on the environment, public health, economy, and national security.

The seminar, held on Thursday, October 23, part of KAIPTC’s distinguished Reflections on Security Series, was held under the theme: “Galamsey as an Existential Threat to Ghana: A Call for Reflection and Action.”

The event, brought together policymakers, security experts, academics, media professionals, and civil society representatives to deliberate on practical solutions to this urgent national crisis.

Air Commodore David Anettey Akrong, Acting Commandant of KAIPTC, opened the seminar with a sobering address, stressing the gravity of the galamsey threat.

“Galamsey has transformed from a traditional livelihood activity into a widespread national crisis,” he remarked. “Its consequences are far-reaching degrading our forests, polluting rivers, destroying farmland, and undermining water security and public health.”

He drew attention to the contamination of key water bodies, including the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, and Offin rivers, by toxic substances such as mercury, cyanide, and arsenic.

“Entire communities are exposed to life-threatening risks. This is not just an environmental issue it is a threat to our very survival,” he said

Highlighting the wider public health implications, Air Commodore Akrong said, “Galamsey has triggered a silent crisis, contributing to waterborne diseases, respiratory illnesses, kidney failure, and birth defects. The impact extends to the air we breathe, the food we consume, and the wellbeing of our people.”

He further warned of the growing security dimensions of illegal mining.

“This illicit activity has evolved into a complex web of crime involving money laundering, corruption, and exploitation of vulnerable populations. It has also fomented tensions between communities and state agencies, threatening social stability and governance,” he said.

Despite government initiatives such as the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, Operation Vanguard, Operation Halt, and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Acting Commandant acknowledged that the fight against galamsey remains an uphill battle.

“While commendable efforts have been made, illegal mining persists, evolving and embedding itself deeply within communities, forests, and water sources.”

He urged for a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach: “Ending galamsey requires not only law enforcement but also livelihood alternatives, greater community involvement, and strengthened partnerships among state agencies, civil society, academia, and the media.”

The seminar’s panel included Dr Victor Doke, Research Fellow at KAIPTC; Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at NAIMOS; Ing. Michael Sandow Ali, Director of the Mining Environmental Protection Authority; Mr Alhassan Abdul-Razak, Communications Director at Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSAM); Superintendent Mohammed Keita, Assistant Operations Director of the Ghana Police Service; with moderation by Mr Albert Ayelyang, National Coordinator of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding.

Media personality Kojo Yankson, host of JOY FM’s Super Morning Show, also facilitated the discussions.

The event provided a critical platform to evaluate existing policies, scrutinise institutional frameworks, and explore effective strategies for galvanising coordinated action against galamsey.