The author of The Galamsey King Must Dance Naked, Justice Matthew Akita, has warned that if illicit mining continues to destroy agriculture and pollute rivers, Ghana may become dependent on imported food and water.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (29 July), Akita stated that soil deterioration caused by galamsey is the country’s largest environmental issue.
“Soil deterioration is the most concerning environmental loss for me. “You can’t grow anything after they come and destroy your land,” he explained.
He explained that, unlike licensed mining businesses, illicit miners do not conserve or replenish topsoil, making farms unsuitable for farming.
“We’ll soon have to start importing food.” “Even water,” he warned.
Akita also raised concern about the long-term health repercussions of mercury and cyanide poisoning, claiming that many Ghanaians misunderstand the risks because polluted water seems clean after treatment.
“The brown water means absolutely nothing… it doesn’t take away the serious chemicals in the water,” he stated.
He also cautioned that sustained exposure to tainted water could increase birth abnormalities and put immense strain on Ghana’s healthcare system.
“If we are to go beyond a certain threshold, Ghana is going to be in big trouble,” he added.
