If galamsey threatens consumer safety in Europe, EU will be forced to act - EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach
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The European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, has delivered a pointed reminder about the international implications of illegal mining (galamsey), stressing that if the environmental destruction in Ghana begins to affect the safety of European consumers, the EU will have no choice but to intervene more directly.
Speaking at an engagement on environmental governance and responsible mining, Amb. Skinnebach noted that Europe closely monitors the origins of imported agricultural and mineral products. He explained that when harmful chemicals, polluted water bodies, or contaminated soils result from unregulated mining, the threat does not remain local it can travel through exports into European markets.
According to him, EU consumer protection laws are strict, and any risk of contaminated cocoa, food products, or minerals linked to unsafe mining practices would trigger immediate regulatory action from Brussels. This could include tighter import controls, new certification rules, or even temporary restrictions on certain goods.
He emphasized that the EU prefers collaboration over sanctions, but Ghana must urgently enforce its environmental laws to protect its own citizens and maintain the country’s credibility on the international market. The Ambassador also reiterated the EU’s willingness to support Ghana through technical assistance, environmental monitoring, and partnerships aimed at promoting responsible mining and sustainable land restoration.
His warning comes at a time when public concern continues to rise over the rapid destruction of forests, rivers, and farmlands across the country a problem that has deep social, economic, and health consequences for millions of Ghanaians.
Amb. Skinnebach’s message adds an international dimension to the galamsey debate: the world is watching, and the consequences could extend beyond Ghana’s borders if nothing changes.