The Architecture Alliance (TAA) and the Institute of Sustainable Design and Construction Management Ghana (ISDCM-G) have jointly expressed deep concern over the devastating effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s environment and the construction industry.
In a strongly worded statement, the two professional bodies described galamsey as “a complete abomination and a theft of our future.” They warned that the practice is eroding the foundation of sustainable living by destroying land, polluting rivers, and destabilizing communities.
“Architecture, and by extension construction, thrives on the coexistence of people, land, water, and natural resources. Galamsey disrupts this delicate balance, leaving behind poisoned rivers and scarred landscapes that threaten safe and sustainable construction,” the statement read.
Ripple Effects on the Construction Sector
The groups outlined several ways in which illegal mining is undermining the construction industry:
• Economic Strain: Rising costs of building materials and project delays in mining-affected areas.
• Material Shortages: Contamination of sand and stone quarries, leading to poor-quality aggregates and scarcity of clean materials.
• Environmental Damage: Land degradation, deforestation, and pollution of water bodies, which in turn raise construction and water treatment costs.
• Health and Safety Risks: Contaminated water sources and unstable soils that heighten the risk of building collapses and community health challenges.
According to the statement, “The continuous and unregulated excavation of mineral-rich lands is not only destroying Ghana’s natural beauty but also destabilizing the very environment upon which safe construction depends.”
A Call for Collective Action
The Architecture Alliance (TAA) and the Institute of Sustainable Design and Construction Management Ghana (ISDCM-G) emphasized that the galamsey menace is not merely an environmental issue but a direct threat to sustainable and dignified human living. They called for:
• Stricter enforcement of environmental laws to protect land and water resources.
• Comprehensive rehabilitation of mined lands for safe human settlement.
• Provision of sustainable livelihood alternatives to reduce community dependence on illegal mining.
• Stronger collaboration among government, professional bodies, and local communities to ensure environmental stewardship.
Professionals’ Pledge
Reaffirming their commitment to national development, the architects and construction professionals pledged to champion responsible land use, innovate design approaches that restore degraded lands, and integrate sustainability into all aspects of planning and construction.
“The fight against galamsey is about more than protecting the environment, it is about securing a dignified, sustainable, and prosperous future for all Ghanaians,” the statement concluded.
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