By Jeremiah Nutsugah
Ghana is a treasure trove of natural resources. Globally, the country is among the top ten gold producers and considered the top gold producer in Africa. The West African nation has long relied on its mineral wealth for development. Despite this, the nation’s focus on economic gain has led to a regression, exemplified by the illegal small-scale gold mining menace that is pushing Ghana into a crisis.
As a result, this unregulated practice, known as “galamsey,” has released a poisonous wave of environmental destruction, pollution of water bodies, wildlife, and human lives, among others. As the country grapples with these problems, one question looms: can Ghana strike a balance between harnessing its golden riches and protecting its people and country?
The term “galamsey” originates from the Ghanaian phrase “gather them and sell,” referring to illegal small-scale gold mining operations. Many Ghanaians view galamsey as a curse due to its harmful effects.
According to a November 2022 report from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the mining industry has consistently contributed above 7% of Ghana’s GDP between 2018 and 2020. The allure of gold and other precious minerals has led many to engage in this lucrative venture, often at the expense of environmental and social norms.
Also, estimates suggest that between 20,000 to 50,000 individuals, including thousands of Chinese nationals, engage in galamsey, primarily operating in southern Ghana. These communities face economic disadvantages, elevated accident rates, and exposure to mercury poisoning due to rudimentary processing techniques.
Youth unemployment and insecure job prospects contribute to this issue, along with greed and ignorance about the detrimental consequences of illegal mining.
Let’s talk about the effects of galamsey
Effects of mining include:
– Water pollution: The impact of galamsey has turned River Pra into a toxic stream, rendering it unhealthy for human consumption due to contamination with mercury, cyanide, and other toxic chemicals.
– Deforestation and Soil erosion: Mining operations lead to the removal of topsoil, trees, and vegetation, causing soil erosion and environmental degradation.
– Noise and Air pollution: Mining operations release chemical gases, fumes, smoke, and dust, resulting from explosions.
The government must take galamsey seriously and implement stricter rules to curb this menace, protecting both the environment and human lives.
On August 31, 2024, the Ghana Water Company Limited in the Central Region attributed recent water supply challenges in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities to the activities of illegal mining (galamsey).
Furthermore, on September 2, 2024, the company announced that it may shut down two major treatment plants in the Ashanti Region due to high turbidity levels, which have increased production costs.
The Konongo and Odaso treatment plants of the Ghana Water Company Limited have been severely impacted by illegal mining activities, also known as ‘galamsey’.
Speaking at a recent environmental forum in Accra, Ghanaian environmentalist Okyere Boateng expressed deep concerns that if the current rate of galamsey continues unchecked, Ghana may be forced to import water in the near future.
Ghana is not alone in facing this challenge, as countries like Libya, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, and Cape Verde also struggle with illegal mining and have resorted to importing water due to contamination of their natural water resources.
Solutions
Solutions include raising awareness, engaging in dialogue with government and local officials, and implementing effective solutions.
Government responses
Successive governments have made unsuccessful attempts to halt this menace.
Before 2013, the Ghanaian government overlooked the growing presence of Chinese migrants in small-scale mining. Despite passing the Minerals and Mining Act in 2006, some corrupt officials allegedly accepted bribes from Chinese miners, allowing them to continue operating. In 2013, media coverage of galamsey issues prompted government action.
Former President John Mahama’s government claimed to have deported some illegal foreign nationals. However, enforcement was relaxed during the 2016 elections due to community pressure, allowing Ghanaian galamsey miners to continue operating.
President Akufo-Addo’s government reinforced the ban on illegal mining, establishing an Inter-Ministerial Committee in 2017. Operation Vanguard was also launched, deploying 400 military and police officials to combat illegal mining. Additionally, an Alternative Livelihood and Community Mining Program was introduced to train former small-scale miners for other sectors. Despite these efforts, illegal mining persists.
President Akuffo Addo vowed to combat galamsey, stating, “I am prepared to put my presidency on the line in the fight against galamsey.” However, his administration has yet to take decisive action, with some government officials allegedly involved in mining companies.
Obstacles to curbing galamsey
- Corruption
- Violence
- Weak judiciary
- Local complicity
Conclusion
The fate of Ghana’s golden riches hangs in the balance. Will the country find a way to harness its wealth without sacrificing its environment and people? The battle against galamsey is far from over. It’s time for Ghana to strike gold in a way that benefits all—its people, its country, and its future.
