Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has made an impassioned plea for members of academia to step up and address the pressing issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

Speaking at a special event hosted by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), former President Kufuor emphasised that political initiatives alone cannot provide the sustainable solutions necessary to combat this growing challenge.

"While politicians have been central to the discussions surrounding the fight against galamsey, their efforts alone will not suffice," the former President stated, highlighting the critical need for academic experts to lend their knowledge and research to the cause.

He called for a collaborative approach, urging scholars to formulate effective long-term strategies that incorporate rigorous analysis and innovative thinking.

The former President pointed out the dire consequences of galamsey, which include severe environmental degradation, the destruction of water bodies, and the loss of arable land.

“The negative consequences of galamsey have far-reaching implications for the country’s future. This is not just a political issue, but one that requires a multidisciplinary approach, where the academic community can play a pivotal role,” he warned.

Reiterating the urgency of the matter, former President Kufuor urged thought leaders in academia to "take up the mantle and lead conversations that bring solutions to these pressing national challenges for the immediate and long term."