Woanyah Demands Urgent Action as Galamsey Claims More Lives

The Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Makafui Kofi Woanyah, has raised concerns over the growing human, environmental and economic consequences of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking at a press conference in Ho on Tuesday, Mr Woanyah said the human cost of illegal mining was increasingly being measured in lives lost, particularly following the deaths of people who fell into abandoned mining pits.

He cited recent deaths in the Ashanti Region, where he said 23 people, including 11 children, had died after falling into abandoned illegal mining pits. According to him, 19 bodies had been recovered while four people remained missing.

“Eleven children. Think about that for a moment. Eleven children whose entire futures were cut short,” he said, describing the deaths as preventable.

Mr Woanyah also warned that the effects of galamsey extended beyond abandoned pits, with mercury, lead and other chemicals posing risks to water bodies, farmlands, food and human health.

He cautioned that the Volta Region could also face serious consequences, particularly as tributaries feeding the Volta Lake become increasingly vulnerable to pollution.

He called on the government to strengthen enforcement, protect water bodies and hold persons responsible for environmental destruction accountable.