The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has issued a dire warning regarding the long-term environmental damage caused by illegal mining, or galamsey, in Ghana. According to Dr. Albert Kobina Mensa, a research scientist with the CSIR Soil Research Institute, it could take up to 300 years to fully restore soil quality in areas affected by galamsey. This is due to the severe contamination caused by mercury, cyanide, and other harmful chemicals used in the illegal mining process.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile on October 12, Dr. Mensa explained that while the degraded lands could potentially be repurposed for forestry, complete soil restoration is far more challenging. The institute has used phytoremediation techniques, which involve the use of plants to extract toxic substances from the soil, to estimate recovery time. Their findings suggest that the natural recovery process would take over three centuries.
Dr. Mensa emphasized that immediate action is needed to prevent further environmental degradation, warning that the current situation could worsen if the damage isn’t addressed promptly.
Additionally, Dr. Bright Boafo Boamah, a toxicologist, discussed the challenges of restoring water bodies polluted by galamsey. He stated that it could take between 10 to 15 years to rehabilitate rivers and streams contaminated by the chemicals used in illegal mining. Dr. Boamah stressed that the process requires sustained monitoring and remediation efforts to ensure ecological recovery, and highlighted the serious health risks posed to both humans and wildlife due to prolonged exposure to these toxic substances.
Both experts called for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and the implementation of sustainable solutions to mitigate further damage and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
