Dr Cadman Mills, brother of the late President John Atta Mills, has strongly criticised the government’s approach to the fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, describing it as nothing short of a “scandal.”
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, Dr Mills expressed deep frustration over what he sees as a lack of seriousness and commitment in addressing the menace, which continues to destroy water bodies, farmlands, and communities across the country.
“The way we are handling this thing (illegal mining) it is a scandal,” he said bluntly.
Dr Mills further suggested that the government’s efforts appear conflicted and half-hearted, undermining progress in tackling the problem.
“I see, and maybe I am wrong, but I don’t think I am, that the government is a little conflicted in its fight against galamsey. It is not taking it seriously,” he added.
A Persistent Advocate Against Galamsey
This is not the first time Dr Mills has spoken out on the issue. In recent months, he has used his social media platforms to raise awareness about the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and public health.
Earlier this week, he revealed how water pollution caused by illegal mining had personally affected him during a recent visit to Ghana. He recounted falling ill after using contaminated water for cooking and brushing his teeth, even without drinking it directly.
Read Also: Gov’t is conflicted in fight against galamsey – Cadman Mills
That experience, he said, drove home the urgent need for action, warning that mercury and other toxic substances from galamsey are silently harming communities far beyond mining zones.
A Warning for the Future
Dr Mills cautioned that without decisive measures, Ghana faces dire long-term consequences, including severe health crises and the collapse of livelihoods for future generations.
He reiterated his call for bold interventions, suggesting that the scale of the destruction warrants declaring a state of emergency to confront the menace head-on.
“The ongoing destruction of our water bodies and farmlands is alarming. If we don’t act decisively now, the health and future of our children will be at risk,” he warned.
Read Also: Galamsey: I get stomach upset whenever I use water in Ghana – Cadman Mills