Eco-Africa is set to host the second edition of its Climate Justice Conference, building on the success of its maiden event held last year, which examined the role of law and policy in advancing sustainable development through youth leadership, equitable finance, and inclusive governance.

This year’s conference focuses on one of Ghana’s most urgent environmental challenges—illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey.”

Under the theme “Galamsey and the Environment,” the three-hour event seeks to raise awareness of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) environmental crimes policy and explore its implications for Ghana, examine galamsey as a climate, governance, and public health crisis, while advocating for stronger accountability measures for corporations, financiers, and public officials complicit in environmental degradation.

Event Format
The one-day conference is scheduled to take place on
*Date: April 17, 2026*
*Venue: GIMPA Moot Court Auditorium.
*Time: 1:00pm*
The programme will feature keynote addresses, solo presentations, and three plenary sessions focusing on:
* The macroeconomic impact of galamsey.
* Its effects on agriculture, the environment, water, and food systems.
* Youth unemployment as a driver of illegal mining.

Speakers
The conference will bring together key stakeholders and experts who will provide data-driven insights and innovative policy solutions.

Headline Speakers
* Prof Augustina Akonnor – Dean of Students and Head of International Programs, GIMPaA
* Ms. Pearl Esua-Mensah – Executive Director, Ghana Climate Innovation Center
* George Boateng – Senior Policy Analyst, African Center for Economic Transformation
* Prof Samuel Kweku Bonsu – Rector, GIMPA

*_Panel One – The Impact of Galamsey on Agriculture, Water and Food Systems_*
* Dorcas Agyei – National Co-ordinator, IUCN Ghana
* Jessica Johnson – ReMi
* Noah Bugre – UNIYA
* Maxwell Asare Boateng – Stop Ecocide International

_*Panel Two – Panel 2: Role of CSOs, Private Sector & Student Leadership*_
* Gifty Owusu, Head of Sustainability – Prudential Life Insurance
* Kojo Edumadzie Quayson – GIMPA LSA Vice President/ President of the GIMPA Moot Society
* Kra Arthur – IMC Chairperson, Sustainability Club GIMPA

*_Panel Three – Between Survival and Sustainability: Youth, Work and Galamsey_
* Patience Tei – Climate Activist
* Vera Apeakorang – Co-Founder, CESSMA
* Samuel Kwame Atamudzi – GIMPA SRC President
* Betty Osei Bonsu – Green Africa Youth Organisation

As illegal mining (galamsey) continues to devastate major rivers, farmlands, and public health, the conference confronts a defining question: _Should environmental destruction be treated as a crime, not just a regulatory failure?