Renowned Economist and Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, Godfred Bokpin, has raised alarm over the devastating impact of irresponsible mining on the country’s economic future.

Speaking during an interview on JoyNews’ *Newsfile* programme on Saturday, June 21, Prof Bokpin described the practice as the biggest existential threat to Ghana’s economic stability.

“I have said that if anything will cause me to leave this country, it will be irresponsible mining,” he remarked, underscoring the depth of his concern.

He explained that despite Ghana’s reliance on its natural resources for development, the uncontrolled and destructive nature of certain mining activities is severely undermining the nation’s long-term prospects.

According to Prof Bokpin, the consequences of illegal and environmentally harmful mining stretch beyond ecological degradation to include far-reaching economic repercussions.

He warned that if the trend continues unchecked, it could cripple sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and water resources, further burdening the already fragile economy.

He called on the government, civil society, and all relevant institutions to adopt a more urgent and coordinated approach to enforce mining regulations and hold perpetrators accountable.

“The biggest threat to Ghana’s economic survival is irresponsible mining,” Prof Bokpin stressed, urging the country to act decisively before the damage becomes irreversible.