ACCRA: Mr Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah, the Convener of the Ghana CSOs Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 14, has raised concerns about the negative impact of illegal and irresponsible mining, known locally as galamsey, on the achievement of several SDGs in Ghana. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Yamoah highlighted the detrimental effects of galamsey on goals one (no poverty), two (zero hunger), three (good health and well-being), six (clean water and sanitation), eight (decent work), 13 (climate action), 14 (life underwater), and 15 (life on land). He detailed how these illegal mining activities are undermining efforts to achieve these global objectives, emphasizing the direct and indirect consequences on local communities and environments. Mr Yamoah explained that goal one is compromised as galamsey destroys farmlands and cocoa farms, reducing farmers' incomes and driving them into poverty. Goal two is affected through the reduction of arable land, contributing to food insecurity and impacting so il fertility. He linked the health issues reported by the Ghana Medical Association, including preventable deaths of unborn babies and maternal mortalities, to the environmental degradation caused by galamsey, thus affecting SDG three. The contamination of water resources, a result of galamsey, was noted as a critical issue for SDG six. This contamination increases water turbidity, complicating treatment and supply by facilities such as the Ghana Water Company Limited. SDG eight is also impacted as miners, including children, are subjected to hazardous working conditions and mercury exposure. Mr Yamoah further noted that galamsey hampers SDG 13 by contributing to forest, soil, and water degradation, reducing the region's ability to capture carbon and mitigate greenhouse gases. He stated that approximately 34 forests in Ghana have already suffered from mining activities. The underwater life and aquatic habitats critical to SDG 14 are being jeopardized by pollutants from mining operations. Similarly, SDG 15 is under threat as galamsey leads to widespread land degradation, desertification, and biodiversity loss, particularly affecting forests and wetlands. In response to these challenges, Mr Yamoah emphasized the need for stringent measures, including the revocation of LI 2462 and the withdrawal of all mining licenses in protected areas. He also called for the enforcement of existing laws against illegal mining activities, particularly those that protect water bodies and forest reserves.