Ghana Minerals Development Fund backs polluter pays policy for illegal mining

The Minerals Development Fund in Ghana has published its first research paper in the international journal Resources Policy, establishing itself as a research institution. 3News reported that the Fund is backing a polluter pays approach to address illegal mining, locally known as galamsey. [1]

Illegal mining remains one of the gravest threats to the environment in Ghana. According to 3News, the study documents extensive physical damage, including river siltation, water pollution, soil nutrient depletion, deforestation, loss of arable land, and a decline in biodiversity. [1]

The polluter pays principle makes the party responsible for producing pollution pay for damage done to the natural environment or for pollution prevention. It is a fundamental principle in United States environmental law and has strong economic support in most European Union and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. [3]

The study highlights the economic impacts of galamsey alongside ecological damage. 3News reported that the practice leads to higher financial costs for water treatment and ecosystem restoration across affected areas in Ghana. [1]