Ghana, one of the world’s top 10 gold-producing countries, is grappling with a crisis that threatens its environment, health, and social fabric. Beneath the surface of its vast gold deposits lies a heartbreaking story of illegal mining, locally known as “Galamsey”. What began as small-scale, artisanal mining has exploded into a full-blown environmental and social disaster, fueled by greed, corruption, and a lack of viable employment opportunities for Ghana’s youth.

In this article, the SMA International Media Center details the result of its investigation, uncovering the roots, impacts, and persistent challenges of Galamsey. We also hear the voices of those on the frontlines of this crisis.

The Rise of Galamsey: A Crisis Decades in the Making

Illegal mining is not new to Ghana. For over a century, small-scale miners have operated alongside legal mining companies. However, the scale and intensity of Galamsey has escalated dramatically in the last decade. According to Most Rev. John Yaw Afoakwah, Bishop of Obuasi Diocese, the influx of Chinese miners and their advanced technology marked a turning point.

“They came in prospecting for gold, introducing heavy machinery such as excavators and gadgets to detect gold deposits,” Bishop Afoakwah explained. “Unfortunately, some Ghanaians fronted for them, and now Galamsey operates on a large scale.” 

This foreign involvement, coupled with local complicity, has transformed Galamsey from a localized activity into a national crisis. Today, illegal mining is everywhere, as Nana Tabi Gyansah, Chief of Manso Kwabenaso in the Ashanti Region, noted: “Whether you go north, west, or south, people are playing Galamsey. Even the government knows it’s happening.” 

The Environmental Catastrophe

The environmental damage caused by Galamsey is staggering. Rivers once teeming with life are now polluted with toxic chemicals, such as mercury and cyanide. Paul Wiredu Dankwa, a former Parliamentary Assembly member for Keniago, lamented the destruction of the Ofin River, a vital water source for his community. 

“In the past, this river was our main source of drinking water and farming. Now, it’s milky and unusable,” Dankwa said. “Fish species have died, and the land is riddled with dangerous cracks that could collapse on miners.” 

The pollution extends beyond water sources. Forests are decimated, farmlands rendered barren, and the soil stripped of its fertility. Despite numerous arrests and crackdowns, illegal miners often return to their sites, undeterred by the law. 

The Human Cost: Health, Exploitation, and Social Decay 

The health implications of Galamsey are dire. Dr. Zachariah T., Director of the Keniago Health Center, highlighted the rise in malaria due to stagnant water from mining pits, as well as skin conditions, typhoid, and sexually transmitted infections from contaminated water. 

“Teenage pregnancies and school dropouts have also increased,” Dr. Zachariah added. “Young girls are lured by the quick money from miners, while boys abandon education for the mines.” 

The social fabric of communities is unraveling. Commercial sex work, drug dealing, and human trafficking have surged in mining areas. Kwabena, a brothel operator in Keniago, revealed that miners frequent his establishment, paying for rooms and sexual encounters. “Before Galamsey, this didn’t exist,” he said. 

The Role of Corruption and Complicity

The persistence of Galamsey is deeply rooted in corruption and complicity at all levels of society. Eric Darko, Environment and Sustainability Manager at Asanko Gold Mine, described the illegal mining structure as a pyramid.

“At the bottom are the shop floor miners. In the middle are community leaders, chiefs, and Assembly members who facilitate their work. At the top are politicians and important top government officials”, Darko explained.  These are believed to fund and protect the operations.

Nana Tabi Gyansah echoed this sentiment, stating that even chiefs are powerless to stop Galamsey without government support. “The government gives licenses and concessions to miners. If we try to stop them, they report us, and we can’t do anything,” he said. 

Bishop Afoakwah pointed to the political will—or lack thereof—as a major obstacle. “When President Nana Addo declared zero tolerance for Galamsey, he nearly lost his second term. Politicians fear losing power if they crack down too hard,” he said. 

Failed Measures and the Need for Sustainable Solutions

Despite efforts to curb Galamsey, including military crackdowns and community mining initiatives, the problem persists. Fr. Junior T. Biro-Moeba SMA criticized the government’s approach, arguing that it both fails to dialogue with the youth and to provide them with alternatives to Galmsey, i.e. proper education and employment opportunities.   

“Stopping Galamsey without providing jobs only leads to more crime, like armed robbery,” Fr. Biro-Moeba said. “The government must engage with the youth and offer sustainable alternatives.” 

Iba One, a young miner, echoed this sentiment. “If the government provides jobs, we’ll stop mining. But right now, this is the only way we can feed our families,” he said. 

Nana Tabi Gyansah called for a collaborative approach involving chiefs, community leaders, and the government. “You can’t just send soldiers and police. You need stakeholder consultations and job creation for the youth,” he emphasized. 

A Call to Action 

The fight against Galamsey is far from over. Bishop Afoakwah remains hopeful but stressed the urgency of the situation. “We must continue to educate and engage our people. If we don’t act soon, we risk destroying our environment and future,” he said. 

Fr. Biro-Moeba emphasized the importance of educating children to break the cycle of exploitation. “A child without education is a danger to society. We must protect them from child labour and mercury exposure,” he said. 

Conclusion: A Brighter Future is Possible

The Galamsey crisis is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues. While the challenges are immense, a brighter future is still possible. Stricter law enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable job creation are critical steps toward ending illegal mining. 

As Bishop Afoakwah aptly put it, “The struggle continues, but we will not give up. By God’s grace, we will win this fight.” 

The time to act is now—for Ghana’s environment, its people, and its future.