Ghana's Galamsey War: EPA CEO Sounds Alarm on Resource Imbalance

Ghana's Fight Against Illegal Mining: EPA CEO Highlights Resource Gaps and Dangers Illegal mining, known locally as "galamsey," continues to devastate Ghana's environment. In a recent interview on UTV Ghana, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shed light on the challenges faced in combating this destructive practice. The interview, which took place on June 2nd, 2025, highlighted the significant resource disparities between the EPA and the heavily armed illegal miners. "We have declared galamsey a war, but we are not approaching it as one," stated Prof. Klutse, emphasizing the lack of adequate resources to effectively combat the illegal miners. She described the dangerous conditions faced by EPA staff, who often lack the protection and equipment available to the well-armed illegal mining operations. The interview also touched upon the extensive pollution of Ghana's water bodies, with Prof. Klutse stating that approximately 90% of the country's rivers are polluted. The interview underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy and increased resources to protect Ghana's environment and its citizens from the devastating effects of galamsey.