Ghana, known as the ‘Gold Coast’ during colonial times due to its abundant mineral resources, has long been blessed with significant deposits of gold and other minerals.
This wealth of natural resources should have been a catalyst for sustainable development and economic growth.
Instead, illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey,’ has wreaked havoc on the country’s environment, water bodies, and social fabric, creating a national crisis that demands urgent attention.
Galamsey, a term derived from the phrase ‘gather them and sell,’ refers to the illicit small-scale mining activities that operate outside the bounds of government regulation.
While small-scale mining itself is legal when licensed and regulated, galamsey is illegal and highly unregulated version of it.
Over the past decade, this practice has proliferated, largely driven by poverty, unemployment, and greed, with thousands of Ghanaians—mostly young men—engaging in these activities to earn a living.
Foreign actors have also contributed to the rise of galamsey by financing and equipping illegal mining operations.
These foreigners often collaborate with local groups, exacerbating the scale and impact of the practice. Galamsey has now become a nationwide scourge, affecting nearly every region of Ghana.
The most visible and immediate consequence of galamsey is environmental devastation. Large swathes of forest reserves have been stripped bare, leaving behind barren landscapes that were once thriving ecosystems.
The practice has decimated biodiversity, destroyed wildlife habitats, and significantly contributed to deforestation.
Even more alarming is the contamination of water bodies. Galamsey operators use mercury and other toxic chemicals in the gold extraction process, which are then washed into rivers and streams.
Rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, once sources of drinking water and vital for agriculture, are now heavily polluted.
The Ghana Water Company has repeatedly warned that many water treatment plants are struggling to treat water from these contaminated sources, raising fears of an impending water crisis.
The harmful effects of galamsey extend to human health as well. The mercury used in mining can cause severe health problems, including neurological damage, birth defects, and various forms of cancer.
The communities living near mining sites are exposed to these chemicals daily, with little to no recourse for protection or compensation.
While proponents of galamsey argue that it provides livelihoods for many, the long-term economic costs far outweigh the short-term gains.
The destruction of farmlands is a major issue. Many small-scale farmers have lost their lands to illegal miners, compromising food security in the process.
Once these lands are destroyed, they are often left unusable for agricultural activities, forcing farmers into a cycle of poverty.
Moreover, the government loses substantial revenue due to the unregulated nature of galamsey operations.
Illegal miners do not pay taxes or royalties, depriving the state of funds that could be invested in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other public services. The revenue loss from galamsey is estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
The long-term economic damage caused by environmental degradation, especially deforestation and water contamination, will be felt for generations to come. The rehabilitation of these lands and water bodies will require significant financial investment, further straining the country’s resources.
The galamsey crisis has also created significant social challenges. It has contributed to the breakdown of law and order in many rural areas, where illegal miners often operate with impunity, sometimes protected by corrupt officials or local power brokers.
Violence and conflict over mining territories have become increasingly common, with clashes between local communities and illegal miners leading to fatalities.
The involvement of foreign nationals has also strained Ghana’s diplomatic relations with some states. Despite government crackdowns and diplomatic efforts to curtail the influx of foreign illegal miners, the problem persists, fuelling anti-foreign sentiment in some quarters.
Politically, galamsey has become a hot-button issue, with successive governments pledging to tackle the menace but making limited progress.
Despite numerous promises, task forces, and policy initiatives, the government’s efforts have often been undermined by corruption, lack of enforcement, and the powerful influence of highly connected politicians.
The fight against galamsey requires a multifaceted and sustained approach. First and foremost, there must be stronger enforcement of existing laws.
Illegal mining operations need to be shut down, and perpetrators, including both local and foreign actors, should face strict penalties.
The government must also ensure that law enforcement agencies are adequately resourced and free from corruption to carry out their duties effectively.
Rehabilitation of destroyed environments should be prioritized. Afforestation programs, river clean-up projects, and sustainable land-use initiatives must be funded and executed in collaboration with local communities and environmental experts.
Such efforts will not only restore ecological balance but also create alternative employment opportunities for former miners.
Public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness about the dangers of galamsey, both for the environment and for public health. People need to be informed that the long-term costs of illegal mining far outweigh the immediate benefits.
Addressing the root causes of galamsey—poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity—should be central to any long-term solution.
The government must invest in job creation, skills training, and alternative livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where the allure of illegal mining is strongest.
Galamsey is a national crisis that threatens Ghana’s environmental, economic, and social stability. The government, civil society, and citizens must work together to address this urgent issue before the damage becomes irreversible.
With strong leadership, decisive action, and community involvement, it is possible to end the destruction of galamsey and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
