The Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has called on Ghana’s leadership to take decisive and far-reaching action against illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that it remains a grave threat to the nation’s very survival.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) in Wa on Monday, September 15, his remarks, delivered on his behalf by Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, highlighted the national security and social dangers posed by the destructive practice.
“How can we also forget about the national security challenges brought to us by the menace of galamsey, as the influx of illegal miners, often accompanied by foreigners, has been linked to an increase in criminal activities in affected communities,” he said.
He noted that despite years of public outcry and numerous interventions, the problem has only worsened.
“Indeed, in the years after, galamsey has become worse, as the measures we have employed over the years have been half-hearted and unable to solve this menace, which is a threat to the country’s survival,” he added.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stressed that immediate, courageous action is the only way forward. “It is a good place to start if we sincerely want to win the war against galamsey. The time to act is now without any further delay,” he urged.
