Sir Sam Jonah warns illegal mining turns rivers into 'chocolate milk'

Sir Sam Jonah, the prominent businessman and Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, has issued a stark warning regarding the catastrophic impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s natural landscape. Speaking at the Methodist University Ghana International Conference on October 15, 2026, the veteran mining executive described a grim reality where the nation’s once-pristine water bodies have been severely degraded. He lamented that rivers which formerly provided clean water and fed past generations have been transformed into toxic flows, threatening the very foundations of environmental and public health.

During his address, Sir Sam Jonah highlighted the visual and physical transformation of the country's water resources, noting that major rivers now "run the colour of chocolate milk." This pollution extends beyond the water itself, affecting vast stretches of forest and fertile farmland essential for national food security. He emphasized that the destruction is not merely an environmental crisis but also a significant economic and moral challenge. According to Jonah, the loss of these resources endangers the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians who depend on farming and fishing, reflecting a broader failure of stewardship over the nation’s natural wealth.

Beyond the immediate environmental threat, Sir Sam Jonah called for a fundamental shift in how Ghana manages its resources and prepares its youth for a changing global economy. He advocated for mandatory digital literacy across all academic disciplines and urged universities to focus research on practical societal benefits. He also stressed the importance of integrity and trust in leadership, arguing that Africa must invest in its own technologies to avoid historical patterns of resource dependency. By fostering a "job-creating" rather than a "job-seeking" mindset, he believes the nation can better navigate the disruptions caused by artificial intelligence while protecting its ecological heritage for future generations.