GhIE Ghana: Galamsey Fight Strategy Review Urged For Clear Results

• The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has called for a comprehensive review of Ghana's strategy to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey.
• GhIE President Dr. Ludwig Annang Hesse stated that galamsey threatens the environment, food security, and the health of Ghanaians, requiring a new approach.
• The institution emphasized the need for clear targets and measurable results that are visible to the public in the fight against illegal mining.
• Dr. Hesse also raised concerns about Ghana's overall infrastructure, including building safety and flooding, advocating for stricter enforcement of regulations.
• The call was made during an induction ceremony for 183 new engineers, who were urged to prioritize public interest in their professional responsibilities.

The institution stressed that any effective strategy against illegal mining must be guided by clearly defined objectives and yield demonstrable results that are transparent and visible to the Ghanaian public.

The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has issued a strong call for a thorough re-evaluation of the country's approach to combating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. The institution emphasized that any effective strategy against illegal mining must be guided by clearly defined objectives and yield demonstrable results that are transparent and visible to the Ghanaian public. This demand underscores the need for a robust galamsey policy review Ghana can implement with confidence, ensuring accountability and public trust in the fight against environmental degradation.

Speaking at an induction ceremony for 183 new engineers in Accra, Dr. Ludwig Annang Hesse, President of the GhIE, highlighted the severe and escalating threats posed by galamsey. He stressed that the menace imperils Ghana's environment, compromises food security, and directly impacts the health of its citizens. Dr. Ludwig Annang Hesse galamsey concerns extend beyond mere environmental damage, noting that illegal mining has evolved into a critical national issue affecting forests, rivers, agricultural lands, food production systems, and the overall well-being of the populace. He asserted that a fundamentally new approach is imperative to successfully address this pervasive challenge.

The ceremony, held under the theme 'Engineering Our Future, Do It Well, Do It Right,' served as a platform for the GhIE to articulate its vision for national development and underscore the critical role of engineering in addressing pressing societal issues. The institution's call for a GhIE Ghana galamsey fight strategy review reflects a broader concern for sustainable development and the protection of national resources, urging a shift towards more effective and measurable interventions.

Beyond the immediate crisis of illegal mining, Dr. Hesse also voiced significant concerns regarding Ghana's broader infrastructure landscape, specifically pointing to issues of building safety and persistent flooding. He advocated for the stringent enforcement of existing building laws, regulations, and professional procedures to prevent structural collapses and safeguard human lives. This call for enhanced regulatory oversight extends to all sectors, including the need for robust Ghana environmental law mining enforcement to protect natural resources.

Dr. Hesse further highlighted the country's reactive stance towards flooding, urging a proactive approach rather than waiting for disasters to strike before implementing measures. He noted that despite a recent report covering a wider array of sectors, Ghana's overall infrastructure grade remains a D3. This assessment indicates critical deficiencies, with financing, maintenance, asset preservation, health and safety standards, and resilience all requiring urgent and concerted attention. The underlying message is a demand for stronger mining regulations Ghana enforcement, alongside other critical infrastructure sectors, to ensure compliance and prevent future catastrophes.

The induction ceremony also featured an address by Dr. Patrick Amoah Bekoe, titled 'Heirs of a Legacy, Architects of the Future,' which underscored the profound responsibility of engineers to the nation. He reminded the newly inducted professionals that the Ghana Institution of Engineering was established in 1968 by a dedicated group of engineers who envisioned a self-governing and self-regulating engineering profession for Ghana. Dr. Bekoe urged the new members to uphold this foundational legacy by consistently prioritizing the public interest above personal gain in their professional endeavors.

Dr. Amoah Bekoe emphasized that Ghana's complex infrastructure challenges necessitate engineers who are prepared to speak with evidence and courage. He asserted that the nation's progress is inextricably linked to its engineers, and the responsibility for constructing a better Ghana has now been entrusted to this new generation. He encouraged them to cultivate curiosity, embrace new opportunities, demonstrate persistence, and actively engage in the affairs of the GhIE, contributing their expertise to national development.

The 183 new members successfully completed the March-April 2026 Engineering Professional Examinations. Dr. Michael Ankamah Bekoe, Chairman of the GhIE Membership Committee, detailed the induction, noting that 173 candidates were admitted into the Professional Engineering class, four into the Professional Engineering Technologists class, and one as a Companion Member. Additionally, two individuals who had previously undergone induction processes were presented for the Professional Engineering class. The diverse group of new professionals included specialists in civil, mechanical and marine, plumbing and mining, and electrical and electronics engineering, reflecting the broad scope of engineering's impact on national life.

Lawyers advising clients in Ghana's mining, environmental, or land use sectors should monitor policy discussions and potential regulatory reforms stemming from the Ghana Institution of Engineering's call for a comprehensive review of the galamsey fight strategy, as this could lead to new compliance requirements or stricter enforcement measures.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times