The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, has visited illegal mining communities within the Atewa landscape to assess the environmental and social impact of galamsey activities.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, May 14, was facilitated by environmental advocacy organisation A Rocha Ghana under its Building Resilient and Active Communities in the Extractive Landscape (BRACE) project, which is funded by the EU.
The EU delegation, which included Deputy Ambassador Jonas Claes, toured parts of Kyebi, Asikam and Sagyimase within the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region.
Led by A Rocha Ghana’s Deputy National Director, Daryl Bosu, the team observed firsthand the extent of environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities, including damage to land and surrounding ecosystems.
The delegation also engaged some local miners during the visit to better understand their operations, the challenges they face, and possible pathways toward more sustainable practices in the extractive sector.
According to A Rocha Ghana, the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to empower mining communities with knowledge of their rights and promote responsible resource governance.
The organisation stressed that continued dialogue between stakeholders remains critical in addressing the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining while promoting long-term community resilience and environmental conservation.
