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The Ghanaian Academic and Research Network (GARNET) has called for the urgent adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern information technologies in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to devastate the country’s forests, rivers, and farmlands.
Speaking at the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of GARNET, held at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), the Chief Executive Officer of GARNET, Mr. Lucas Chigabatia, stressed that the theme; “Harnessing AI Tools in the Fight to Restore Our Forests and River Bodies”, underscores the need for innovative approaches in addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges.
“The biggest fight for our lives in Ghana now is how to preserve our water bodies and forests,” Mr. Chigabatia said. “This AGM has been impactful because the issues we are discussing are existential. I urge all members to return to their institutions and communities, share the knowledge gained, and contribute to educating, encouraging, and enlightening Ghanaians about the dangers of galamsey.”
Mr. Chigabatia further advised participants to use their positions in academia and research to spearhead public awareness and help change attitudes toward illegal mining, even within families and communities where the practice has become normalised.
Delivering a keynote address, Prof. Austin D. Ablo of the University of Ghana’s Department of Geography and Resource Development painted a stark picture of the scale of destruction. According to him, galamsey is not only depleting Ghana’s forests and water bodies but also fuelling crime, child labour, prostitution, and long-term health risks through heavy metal contamination.
He noted that an estimated 34,000 hectares of forest are lost annually to illegal mining, while over 70 per cent of rivers in mining areas are polluted by mercury. He warned that while the current interventions, including moratoriums, task forces, and equipment seizures, have produced only short-term gains, the long-term damage continues unabated.
“We are sacrificing the future to satisfy our interests today,” Prof. Ablo cautioned. “The strategies we have used so far are reactionary, sporadic, and unsustainable. What we need now is a rethink, and artificial intelligence provides that opportunity.”
Prof. Ablo explained that AI-powered satellite monitoring, remote sensing, and real-time data analysis could give authorities the upper hand in detecting and preventing illegal mining activities before irreversible damage occurs.
Both speakers agreed that tackling galamsey requires a combination of technology, strong political will, and grassroots education. They urged government, academia, and communities to collaborate in deploying AI tools that will not only track and expose illegal operations but also guide policies toward sustainable natural resource management.
In a speech on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of UMaT, Prof. Richard K. Amankwa, the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Solomon Nunoo, emphasised the special role of the university in natural resource education.
He explained that UMaT’s mandate is centred on mining, minerals, petroleum, management, and allied engineering disciplines, making the institution a critical player in shaping sustainable practices within Ghana’s extractive sector.
Prof. Nunoo encouraged members of GARNET to fully engage in the AGM’s deliberations and adopt strategies that could enrich institutional practices and inform national policy.
He noted that UMaT has been actively researching safer and more sustainable mining practices while training professionals who can balance resource exploitation with environmental stewardship.
The GARNET AGM, which brought together universities, colleges of education, technical universities, private institutions, and libraries, reaffirmed the network’s mission of leveraging ICT for education, teaching, learning, and research — and now, for safeguarding Ghana’s natural environment.
