Ghana faces the potential loss of the European Union as a key export partner, with EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rune Skinnebach, warning that the bloc may suspend trade to protect its consumers from the harmful effects of illegal mining.
Despite ongoing efforts by the Ghanaian government, illegal mining—commonly known as Galamsey—continues to pose significant environmental and economic challenges. Speaking in an exclusive interview on Starr News, Ambassador Skinnebach emphasised that the impacts of illegal mining extend beyond Ghana’s borders, threatening vital water bodies and agricultural exports.
“Galamsey is an extremely complex matter and difficult to address because we can all see that the pollution is a major issue. I think 65% of the water bodies are now polluted because of Galamsey. This pollution affects vegetable production, and if vegetables and cocoa are contaminated, it will impact exports,” he said.
The ambassador cautioned that failure to control illegal mining could prompt the EU to implement trade restrictions, which would have a severe impact on Ghana’s economy.
“Europe is Ghana’s biggest export market and will have to protect its consumers, with possible implications for Ghana’s exports. This is not what Ghana needs now, especially concerning cocoa, which, along with gold, is a major pillar of the economy,” he added.
His remarks underscore the pressing need for stronger policy enforcement and interventions to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and secure its position in the international trade arena.
Story By: Christabel Afful
