Ghana is currently grappling with two significant and interconnected challenges: the rampant illegal mining activities, commonly known as 'galamsey', and the pervasive and increasing threat of pesticide pollution. Both issues pose severe environmental, economic, and health risks, demanding urgent and coordinated national interventions to safeguard the nation's future.

The mining sector, particularly illegal mining, has been a focal point of concern for its failure to generate sustainable employment and deliver quality jobs, as highlighted by economist Professor Godfred Bokpin from the University of Ghana. He argues that despite the sector's potential, it has been weakly harnessed, contributing a mere 12% to total revenue, significantly less than the oil and gas sector's 22.3%. Prof. Bokpin has also expressed deep frustration over the perceived inaction of current leadership in curbing galamsey, emphasizing that such environmental destruction necessitates bold interventions.

The environmental devastation caused by illegal mining is stark. Reports indicate that over 60% of Ghana’s rivers, including major ones like the Pra, Birim, Offin, and Ankobra, are critically polluted. Additionally, 34 forest reserves have been destroyed through deforestation. Economically, galamsey costs the country an estimated $2 billion annually in lost revenue and smuggled gold, while also escalating health risks, particularly mercury-related illnesses. Beyond these, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, underscored that illegal mining is a borderless, transnational industry that undermines governance, promotes corruption, threatens national stability, and facilitates money laundering, with 64% of illicit and organised crime proceeds in Ghana and the sub-region linked to environmental and natural resource crimes.

Various efforts are underway to combat galamsey. The Blue Water Guards in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality have conducted swoops, destroying numerous Chanfang engines, pumping machines, shovels, and other mining equipment, burning makeshift shelters, and arresting suspects. This demonstrates a reinforced determination to protect communities and water bodies. Minister Mohammed-Mubarak advocates for stronger regional and international cooperation, aligning mining governance with intelligence-led security strategies, and strengthening regional collaboration to ensure mining contributes to resilience, peace, and environmental sustainability. Academic City University has released a white paper calling for a coordinated national approach, moving beyond fragmented crackdowns. Key recommendations include strengthening mining laws, depoliticizing enforcement, targeting financiers, empowering traditional authorities, investing in alternative livelihoods, and leveraging modern technology like drones, GIS mapping, and real-time water monitoring. The university has partnered with Arima Resources Limited to advance this fight through research, technological innovation, and evidence-based solutions, including the deployment of autonomous drones for surveillance and intelligent environmental monitoring systems.

Parallel to the mining crisis, Ghana faces an under-reported but equally alarming issue of pesticide pollution. Despite media attention on environmental destruction from mining and poor air quality, the ubiquitous environmental pollution caused by pesticides receives inadequate attention. These toxic chemicals are used not only on rural farms but also regularly in urban areas and households, often without full understanding of their dangers. Pesticides are persistent poisons that contaminate soil and water sources, leading to biodiversity loss, destruction of beneficial insect populations, and reduced nutritional value of food, according to the Special Rapporteur on the right to food.

The impact on human health is profoundly concerning. Studies have linked pesticide exposure to premature births, congenital malformations, spontaneous abortions, genetic damage, lower sperm concentrations, heart disease, cancer, and other disorders. Children are particularly vulnerable, encountering pesticides daily through air, food, dust, soil, and surfaces. Acute and chronic exposure in children has been associated with adverse birth outcomes, pediatric cancers, neurobehavioral and cognitive deficits, and asthma. Early-life exposure to organophosphate insecticides has also been linked to reductions in IQ and abnormal behaviours associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism.

Alarmingly, pesticide use in Ghana is increasing, with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture reporting annual imports of 40 million litres – more than a litre for every person. Usage rates have soared from 19% in 2006 to over 50% in 2017. This surge is attributed to factors like the decreasing availability of farm labour, making pesticides an 'efficient' alternative for weed control. Moreover, the influence of organizations like AGRA (formerly the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) is cited for promoting the addiction of smallholder farmers to agrotoxins. A critical concern is the continued export of agrotoxins, banned for use in European Union countries, to African nations like Ghana, highlighting a need for the EU to end this hypocrisy.

To address pesticide pollution, policymakers and citizens are urged to take action. The government must immediately ban the import of EU-banned pesticides, implement a nationwide recall, and ensure safe disposal of all existing stock. This should be complemented by sustained public service awareness and education campaigns to minimize pesticide use and ensure appropriate handling, including the use of protective equipment, supported by extensive monitoring and enforcement. Furthermore, the government should provide subsidies for locally produced bio-pesticides and support institutions like CSIR in commercializing developed bio-pesticides through public-private partnerships. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture should also offer technical support to farmers for sustainable management of unwanted plants through low-cost, appropriate technologies like crimper rollers and by encouraging cover-cropping. Ultimately, engaged citizens are crucial to ensure policymakers implement and enforce these vital policies for the collective best interest.

In conclusion, Ghana faces a dual environmental crisis from illegal mining and escalating pesticide pollution. While efforts are being made to tackle galamsey, the silent threat of pesticides demands equal attention. It is imperative that Ghana addresses both problems simultaneously, implementing comprehensive policy reforms and fostering collective action to protect its environment, public health, and ensure sustainable national development.