Ghana Mining Review A reliable source of mining industry news in Ghana
Related Articles
Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), a cornerstone of the country’s rubber industry, is facing an existential threat from rampant illegal mining activities. The company, which operates two factories in the Western Region, is grappling with severe encroachment on its plantations, leading to significant production losses and environmental damage.
“We are unable to access parts of the plantation due to the illegal miners,” lamented Perry Acheampong, GREL’s Corporate Affairs Manager. “Once the land is taken over, the trees are destroyed, leading to a loss in production.”
The situation is further exacerbated by severe water pollution caused by the miners. “We use a lot of water at the factory, but illegal mining has polluted our water sources, making it unusable for operations,” Acheampong said. “At one point, we had to temporarily shut down the factory due to this issue. If it persists, we may be forced to close one of our factories, which employs 600 direct staff.”
GREL, a major employer and a significant contributor to Ghana’s economy, plays a crucial role in the country’s rubber industry. In 2022, exports of processed natural rubber generated approximately US$131.3 million, highlighting the sector’s economic importance.
However, the company is now actively seeking solutions to this pressing issue, collaborating with security agencies to protect its concessions. Acheampong emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies to address the escalating problem of illegal mining and safeguard the future of Ghana’s rubber industry.
This crisis underscores the critical need for a multi-pronged approach to combat illegal mining, which not only threatens the environment but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians and undermines the country’s economic growth.
