Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) has raised serious concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on its operations, warning that if the situation persists, approximately 600 workers could lose their jobs.
The Corporate Affairs Manager of GREL, Perry Acheampong, speaking in an interview with Angel TV’s Western Regional reporter, Nana Fynn, after the company’s 2024 annual general meeting with the Association of chiefs on whose land GREL operate (ACLANGO) in Agona Nkwanta, revealed that illegal mining activities have severely impacted GREL’s rubber plantations and water sources.
According to him, galamsey operators have destroyed vast portions of the company’s rubber plantations, making it difficult to maintain production levels. Additionally, pollution of water bodies by illegal miners poses a major threat to the company’s factories, which rely heavily on clean water for processing rubber.
Mr. Acheampong disclosed that one of GREL’s factories has already been affected, as polluted water has begun damaging its machines. At one point, the company had to temporarily shut down operations to prevent further damage. He warned that if urgent action is not taken to curb illegal mining activities, the affected factory may be forced to close permanently, leaving about 600 employees jobless.
“We depend heavily on water for rubber processing, and with galamsey polluting our main water sources, our machines are at serious risk of damage. If the situation continues, we may have no choice but to shut down the factory, which will impact over 600 workers and their families,” he stressed.
Mr. Acheampong further revealed that due to the impact of illegal mining on local water bodies, GREL has come under increasing pressure to provide potable drinking water to its catchment communities. This has significantly raised the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) budget, which has increased from approximately GH₵4.6 million in 2024 to GH₵6.6 million in 2025 to meet the growing demand for clean water.
“As part of our CSR, we focus on health, education, and social interventions. However, with the increasing destruction of water bodies by galamsey, we are now being forced to allocate more resources to providing water, which is straining our budget. If this continues, it will place an enormous burden on the company while illegal mining continues to threaten our core production activities,” he lamented.
The chiefs present at the meeting also expressed deep concerns over the destruction caused by galamsey and urged immediate intervention to save the environment, businesses, and livelihoods in their communities.
The Chairman of the Chiefs’ Committee on whose land GREL operates, Nana Kwasi Agyeman IX, added his voice to the concerns and called on the government to take swift and decisive action against illegal mining to save the company from collapse.
“The government must act now before it is too late. If GREL collapses, it will not only affect the workers but also the communities that depend on the company for development. Illegal mining is not only destroying our land but also the future of our people,” he emphasized.
GREL remains one of the largest agribusinesses in Ghana, playing a crucial role in job creation and economic growth. However, the rising threat of galamsey continues to endanger its sustainability, calling for urgent measures to protect the industry and the livelihoods it supports.
