The U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Ghana and the University of Mining and Technology (UMaT), located in Tarkwa, has come together to bring together key players in the mining industry from all over Ghana.
The purpose of this gathering is to explore technological solutions to combat illegal mining.
Within the framework of “Tech Camp Takoradi” this week, a diverse group of fifty participants, comprising individuals from mining communities and corporations, scientists and innovators, policymakers, environmental advocates, public health professionals, and members of the media, are collaborating with experts from the United States and Africa.
Illegal small-scale mining in Ghana has been a major contributor to deforestation, polluting the water, air, and soil, and devastating farmlands.
They are focused on developing technology-driven solutions aimed at mitigating the adverse environmental and health impacts stemming from illegal mining activities in Ghana.
U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer Kevin Brosnahan at the opening in Takoradi this morning, said, ”
“Illegal mining is one of the most challenging and serious threats to Ghana’s environment”.
We are pleased to bring international technology experts, including a representative from NASA, to help Ghanaian stakeholders find a sustainable path forward that supports mining communities while protecting the environment”
Comprising technology experts from both Africa and the United States, the collective will scrutinize the public policy dimensions of illegal mining. They will also strategize and implement potential remedies by harnessing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and satellite data.
Additionally, they will leverage resources provided through initiatives like SERVIR-West Africa, a collaborative project between the U.S. Agency for International Development and NASA.
