The Academic City University has called for a coordinated national approach to address the growing menace of illegal mining that continues to threaten Ghana’s environment and livelihoods.
It says it is critical for stakeholders at this moment to move beyond fragmented crackdowns and instead, pursue long-term solutions and interventions that balance environmental protection with sustainable livelihoods.
In a communique at the end of a symposium to share its opinion on the ongoing national discourse, the university stressed that every individual had an important role to play in the nation’s collective fight against illegal mining, and without that, the battle would not be won.
Recommendations
Among the university's key recommendations are the strengthening of mining laws to close loopholes, depoliticising enforcement, targeting financiers behind illegal operations, empowering traditional authorities, and investing in alternative livelihoods for affected communities.
It also called for the use of modern technology, including drones, GIS mapping, and real-time water monitoring, alongside funding for interdisciplinary research and land restoration projects.
The university's Vice-in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr Sena Agbodjah, stated that as a forward-thinking institution, Academic City has made combating illegal mining one of its key priorities.
It is thus leveraging its expertise in research, technology, and innovation to support national efforts in addressing this pressing challenge.
She stated that in line with this commitment, the university recently entered into a strategic partnership with Arima Resources Limited to advance the fight against illegal mining through research, technological innovation, and evidence-based solutions.
Under the agreement, the university will lead initiatives such as the deployment of autonomous drones for surveillance, the use of intelligent environmental monitoring systems to safeguard rivers and forests, the design of digital compliance frameworks to strengthen mining security, and the development of databases to consolidate interventions and guide policy.
The partnership will also provide opportunities for student-led research, capstone projects, and prototype development in areas such as mercury detection tools, advanced compliance monitoring systems, and socio-economic enhancing studies, further reinforcing Academic City’s role as a driver of practical solutions for Ghana’s sustainable development.
“Illegal mining continues to destroy water bodies and livelihoods.
By convening diverse voices and providing evidence-based solutions, we are driving a national conversation and offering practical tools to protect Ghana’s future,” she stated.
Dr Agbodjah added that copies of the paper would be distributed to relevant stakeholders, emphasising Academic City’s commitment to working with the government and partners to address the issue.
