Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has made a strong appeal to academia to take a leading role in addressing the urgent issue of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Speaking at a special event organized by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Kufuor stressed that political efforts alone are insufficient to deliver the long-term solutions needed to tackle this escalating problem.
“While politicians have been central to the discussions surrounding the fight against galamsey, their efforts alone will not suffice,” the former President stated, highlighting the critical need for academic experts to lend their knowledge and research to the cause.
He called for a collaborative effort, urging scholars to develop effective long-term strategies through thorough analysis and innovative solutions.
The former President highlighted the devastating impact of galamsey, including severe environmental damage, the destruction of water resources, and the loss of fertile land.
The negative consequences of galamsey have far-reaching implications for the country’s future. This is not just a political issue, but one that requires a multidisciplinary approach, where the academic community can play a pivotal role,” he cautioned.
Repeating the urgency of the matter, the former President urged thought leaders in academia to “take up the mantle and lead conversations that bring solutions to these pressing national challenges for the immediate and long term”.