By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Two leading professional bodies in Ghana’s construction and design sector, The Architecture Alliance (TAA) and the Institute of Sustainable Design and Construction Management Ghana (ISDCM-G), have raised an urgent alarm over the worsening impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on the nation’s built environment.
In a joint press statement, the groups warned that the unchecked activities of illegal miners are not only degrading the environment but also endangering the foundation of safe and sustainable construction across the country.
The statement described the illegal practice as a “theft of the nation’s future,” noting that its effects ripple far beyond the mining zones. From rising construction costs to unsafe building conditions, the profession says the menace now poses a serious threat to Ghana’s infrastructure and housing development.
“Architecture and construction depend on a delicate coexistence between people, land, water, and natural resources,” the release stated. “Yet, galamsey continues to erode this balance, compromising the safety and sustainability of our built environment.”
Materials, Labour, and Environment All Affected
The groups outlined how galamsey has disrupted every aspect of the construction value chain.
Material Quality: Contaminated sand and stone quarries are lowering the quality of aggregates used in construction, while clean sand and gravel are becoming increasingly scarce.
Economic Pressure: With mining drawing labour away from communities, construction projects in affected regions are facing delays and rising costs.
Environmental Damage: Rivers polluted by mercury and land stripped of vegetation are leading to unstable soils and limited availability of suitable construction sites.
Public Safety Threats: Weakened ground conditions and contaminated water sources are putting both builders and residents at risk.
The TAA and ISDCM-G are calling for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and comprehensive land rehabilitation to restore mined areas. They also urged the government to provide sustainable livelihood options to communities dependent on galamsey, reducing the economic incentive for illegal mining.
The statement further appealed for greater collaboration among government agencies, professional bodies, and local communities to secure what they describe as “long-term stewardship of Ghana’s environment.”
In reaffirming their commitment, the two organizations pledged to lead by example through responsible land advocacy, innovative design to restore degraded areas, and sustainable planning that protects the environment for future generations.
“Our profession exists to build — not to destroy. Galamsey threatens the very land on which our future cities will stand,” the statement declared.
The groups concluded that the battle against illegal mining must go beyond slogans and short-term campaigns, emphasizing that the integrity of Ghana’s architecture and construction industry depends on urgent, unified national action.
