Experts in veterinary medicine at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have expressed deep concern about the harmful impact of illegal mining, or Galamsey, on bee populations.

0

Speaking at the inauguration of the Bee Health Club at KNUST on March 15, Dr. William Tasiameh, who leads the School of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized that the destruction of forests caused by illegal mining is severely affecting bee habitats and limiting their food sources, putting their survival at risk.

1

“Bees need trees, and if the environment is being destroyed, as seen in the case of Galamsey, it becomes a serious issue. We are cutting down trees and destroying our forests, which poses a significant challenge to the survival of bees. They need space, trees, flowers, and a conducive environment to reproduce, just as nature intended.”

2

Dr. William Tasiameh emphasized the dangers of water contamination from illegal mining, noting its harmful effects on honey quality.“The major part of honey is water. Bees drink from these water bodies that are heavily polluted through illegal mining operations… It affects the livelihoods and survival of these bees”.

3

Meanwhile, bee farmer Donyina Effah Kwasi Opoku appealed to the government to introduce policies that would make beekeeping attractive to young people by offering training and resources. He underscored its potential as a profitable industry.

4

Adding to the discussion, Prof. Benjamin Emikpe, Dean of KNUST’s School of Veterinary Medicine, stressed the need to integrate beekeeping into education to ensure the long-term growth of honey production.

5

“For sustainable honey production in Ghana, it is important to engage the youth early. Veterinarians, as well as students from the College of Education and the College of Agriculture, should be encouraged to understand the value of honey and the importance of bee health.”

6

The Bee Health Club, which champions bee welfare and sustainable honey production, is supported by the UK’s Agency for Plant and Animal Health.

7