Sammy Gyamfi Says Ghana’s Economy Would Collapse Without Mining

Sammy Gyamfi has said the mining sector is a major contributor to Ghana’s economy and that without it, the economy would collapse. His comment, shared under the hashtag #UTVGhana, puts the spotlight on how much the country depends on minerals such as gold, bauxite and manganese. For the ordinary Ghanaian, the message is simple: mining brings in money for the country, and if it were to stop suddenly, the effects would be felt across the economy.

The point is easy to understand. Mining earns foreign exchange, provides jobs and supplies raw materials for other industries. It also brings in taxes and royalties that help fund roads, schools and hospitals. When the sector struggles, government revenue falls and jobs are lost. That is why many economists and leaders see mining as a key pillar of the economy, even as they acknowledge the damage that illegal mining has caused to the environment.

At the same time, the statement raises an important question: how can Ghana benefit from mining without destroying its environment? Illegal mining, or galamsey, has polluted rivers, damaged farmlands and harmed communities, and the public has repeatedly called for firm action. The challenge for leaders is to protect the sector’s economic benefits while making sure that mining is done responsibly and that the profits are used to build the country rather than line a few pockets.

For the layperson, the key lesson is that the country needs a balanced approach. Mining should continue because it supports the economy, but it must be done in a way that protects water bodies, farmlands and communities. Ghanaians should also push for transparency, so that the revenue from mining is seen in better roads, schools, healthcare and jobs. A sector that earns so much should translate into visible benefits for ordinary citizens.

In the end, Sammy Gyamfi’s comment reminds us that mining and the economy are closely linked, and that the conversation should not be about shutting the sector down but about running it properly. Ghana needs mining that creates jobs, pays its fair share and respects the environment. If the country can get that balance right, the sector can continue to support the economy while protecting the future of generations to come.