The Chairman of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Bernard Owusu, has issued a strong call for immediate and sustained action to end illegal mining, warning that Ghana risks severe environmental and economic consequences if the menace persists.
Speaking at the 2026 May Day celebrations held at Jackson’s Park on Friday, May 1, Mr. Owusu described illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, as a major national threat that continues to undermine the country’s development despite years of interventions.
The event, which brought together workers, labour leaders, government officials and state representatives, was attended by President John Dramani Mahama.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Owusu warned that the environmental destruction caused by galamsey—particularly the pollution of rivers and farmlands—poses a direct threat to livelihoods and long-term economic stability.
“The issue of galamsey still remains a menace and must stop now. Despite ongoing reforms, we are losing this fight and we cannot afford to lose our future,” he said.
He stressed that the continued degradation of natural resources would have far-reaching consequences for key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, industry and investment.
“When rivers die, industries, agriculture, investment and jobs all decline, leaving the Ghanaian worker to bear the cost. This is why our stance on galamsey remains uncompromised,” he added.
The TUC reaffirmed its long-standing position calling for stricter enforcement measures and a more coordinated national response to curb illegal mining, describing the fight against galamsey as essential to protecting jobs, safeguarding the environment and securing Ghana’s future development.
Mr. Owusu’s remarks add to growing pressure on authorities to intensify efforts against illegal mining, which remains one of the country’s most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges.
