The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has likened illegal mining involving hazardous chemicals to chemical warfare, warning that the practice poses serious risks to human health and the environment.
She has called for fast-track environmental courts to ensure the swift prosecution of environmental offences, arguing that the effects of illegal mining(galamsey) extend beyond environmental destruction to a wider public health crisis.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings made the remarks after touring parts of the Eastern Region, where she expressed concern over illegal mining activities at Osino, less than 200 metres from a major road, despite ongoing efforts to reclaim degraded lands.
Speaking at the official residence of the Eastern Regional Minister, she urged the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to use its security mandate to address the continued operations of illegal miners in the area.
She described the situation as disturbing, questioning why the miners were still operating openly despite efforts to protect the environment and restore degraded lands.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings warned that the use of hazardous chemicals such as cyanide and mercury outside properly regulated environments exposed people to serious health risks.
“This is a form of chemical warfare, if you ask me, because the use of hazardous chemicals like cyanide and mercury outside of the confines of a properly regulated environment puts everyone at risk,” she said.
She warned that the consequences could include congenital deformities and maternal and infant mortality, stressing that illegal mining should not be treated solely as an environmental issue.
The Minister said the destruction of the region’s natural resources could undermine its potential and leave future generations to bear the consequences.
