The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, has sounded the alarm that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is fast becoming a threat to Ghana’s energy security.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Adomako-Mensah explained that the menace goes beyond destroying farmlands and polluting rivers and is now undermining the country’s ability to generate and transmit electricity.
According to him, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has already cautioned that if galamsey activities are not brought under control, power generation will soon become a major challenge, with transmission to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) through GRIDCo also at risk.
“Most of the installations we visited have security arrangements, some even with soldiers on guard. But because of the scale of illegal mining, two or three soldiers cannot protect these critical sites,” he stated.
The Afigya North Kwabre MP added that GRIDCo faces an even greater risk, as most of its transmission pylons are located in remote bush areas where illegal miners operate.
Despite the company’s own security measures, the MP warned that they are insufficient against the growing threat.
Mr. Adomako-Mensah stressed that without strong political will, the situation could worsen.
“If we do not depoliticise the galamsey crisis, it will be devastating for all of us. We plead with the government to introduce stringent measures to end this,” he said.
The comments of the former Deputy Energy Minister follow recent disclosures by GRIDCo that illegal miners have been attacking its installations, damaging infrastructure, and, in some cases, shooting at staff members.
The company has warned that these actions pose a direct danger to the stability of Ghana’s power supply.
The MP emphasised that the government must move beyond rhetoric and act decisively, noting that despite earlier promises, the galamsey menace continues to expand with dire consequences for the nation.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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