Former President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to utilize cutting-edge technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to combat illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) if he wins the upcoming presidential election.
Addressing a gathering of miners and community leaders in the Western Region, Mahama emphasized the need for innovative solutions to tackle the long-standing issue of galamsey, which has devastated the country’s environment and water resources.
“We will harness the power of technology, including AI, to monitor and prevent illegal mining activities,” Mahama declared. “We will work with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure sustainable mining practices and protect our environment.”
Mahama’s promise comes amid growing concerns about the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s ecosystem. The issue has been a major challenge for successive governments, with many communities affected by the pollution of water sources and destruction of fertile lands.
The former President’s commitment to leveraging technology to combat galamsey has been welcomed by environmental activists and mining communities, who see it as a crucial step towards finding a lasting solution to the problem.
By Bernice Adjei Kodie