A former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CalBank, Frank Adu Jnr, has issued a strong warning about the long-term consequences of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, if not urgently curtailed.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, June 30, Frank Adu Jnr expressed deep concern about the growing influence of illegal mining cartels and the destruction of Ghana’s environment.

He cautioned that if swift and decisive action is not taken, the country could soon witness a situation similar to that of Colombia, where criminal networks control political institutions.

“Eventually, the cartels running this galamsey business will control the politicians because they can fund you to become an MP,” he said.

Frank Adu Jnr further lamented what he described as political lip service to the fight against galamsey, stating that authorities have failed to tackle the issue with the seriousness it demands.

He called for the use of advanced surveillance and military action to shut down illegal mining operations, suggesting that Ghana could even collaborate with foreign partners to deploy drone technology for this purpose.

“You probably should even go to some country and open your skies to them and say they should use drone technology and bomb all these galamsey sites because you can map them,” he stated emphatically.

Describing the environmental toll as devastating, he shared a haunting image of witnessing a fetus in a small surgical tray at a galamsey site, painting a grim picture of the health and ecological consequences of the menace.

He concluded by emphasising the urgent need to protect Ghana’s flora and fauna, which he described as essential for the country’s survival.

AS/AE

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