Ghana’s fight against illegal mining requires stronger partnerships with the private sector and sustained international support, according to Ambassador Bishop Dr Samuel Owusu.

Speaking at the 11th Annual UN Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum 2026), held on 6–7 May 2026 in New York, the West Africa Head of Mission for the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission and Country Director of the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA-Ghana) warned that illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, continues to destroy Ghana’s land and water resources.

“Galamsey has become a national crisis, polluting rivers, degrading farmlands, and endangering public health in affected communities,” Owusu said. “From contaminated water supplies to cases of birth defects and unsafe living conditions, the human and environmental cost is unacceptable.”

He noted that while successive governments and civil society organizations have introduced measures to curb the menace, the problem persists due to limited technology, weak monitoring systems, and insufficient resources for affected communities.

Owusu urged the adoption of science, technology and innovation as practical tools to address the crisis.

He cited real-time water quality monitoring, geospatial mapping, and radiation detection technologies as solutions that can identify pollution hotspots, support enforcement, and guide environmental restoration.

“To make this work, we need stronger collaboration between government and the private sector and, more importantly, sustained support from the United Nations and international partners to facilitate technology transfer, capacity building, and investment in affected communities,” he stated.

He emphasised that without coordinated action, Ghana risks losing critical water resources and undermining progress in public health, education, and sustainable development.

Owusu also announced that, on his return to Ghana, the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission, in collaboration with IAWPA-Ghana, will host the African Union Day celebration on 25 May 2026 at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.

The event will be held under the theme: Assuring Sustainable Water, Technology, Peace and Security.

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