Illegal mining, or “galamsey,” presents a severe threat to sustainable procurement and supply chain development in Ghana, warns the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS).
As the country faces escalating environmental damage, GIPS has raised concerns about the widespread impact of unregulated galamsey activities.
The devastation caused by these illicit operations is undermining Ghana’s economy and its capacity to manage resources sustainably. Polluted water bodies, destroyed forests, and damaged farmlands are threatening industries reliant on natural resources, including agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. These disruptions also pose risks to supply chains dependent on clean water, healthy ecosystems, and uncontaminated raw materials.
In a statement, GIPS emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and civil society to combat the growing crisis. The institute stressed that sustainable procurement is not just a policy but a shared responsibility essential to preserving the nation’s economic and environmental health. Without decisive action, galamsey could leave lasting damage to both Ghana’s ecological landscape and economic prospects.
GIPS called for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and harsher penalties for those involved in illegal mining. “The fight against galamsey is not solely the government’s responsibility. As citizens, we must support efforts to combat this dangerous practice, which, if left unchecked, could have dire consequences for future generations,” the institute urged.
As Ghana seeks long-term growth, addressing the galamsey issue will be critical. Failure to act risks not only environmental disaster but also undermines the development of sustainable and resilient supply chains.
