By Jones Anlimah
The issue of illegal small-scale mining, or “galamsey,” has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges in Ghana today. Despite numerous efforts to curb this menace, it continues to wreak havoc on the nation’s water bodies, forests, and the broader environment.
The Ghana Water Company Limited’s recent warning about an impending water shortage underscores the severity of the situation—a crisis that could plunge the country into a state of emergency if not addressed with urgency and determination.
Galamsey is not a new problem, but its scale and impact have grown exponentially in recent years. Rivers that once flowed clear are now murky and poisoned, choked with the remnants of mining activities. The destruction of vegetation, including vital forest reserves, has led to a cascade of environmental degradation—erosion, loss of biodiversity, and a decline in agricultural productivity, which further jeopardises the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.
The most alarming aspect of this crisis is the contamination of water sources. Galamsey operators use toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide to extract gold, which then leaches into rivers and groundwater. The consequences are dire: not only is the water unsafe for consumption, but it also poses significant health risks to communities, including long-term exposure to toxic substances that can cause serious diseases.
The threat to water security is real and immediate, as the Ghana Water Company Limited has warned. Without clean and safe water, the very survival of Ghanaians and communities is at stake.
President Nana Akufo-Addo’s vow to put his presidency on the line in the fight against galamsey was a bold statement, reflecting the gravity of the situation. However, the reality on the ground suggests that the fight is far from over—and in many respects, it seems to be a losing battle.
The daily reports of major water bodies being destroyed point to a systemic failure in enforcing laws and regulations. Despite the establishment of task forces and the introduction of new policies, illegal mining continues unabated, driven by corruption, poverty, and the lucrative nature of the illegal gold trade.
One cannot overlook the role of local communities and traditional authorities in this issue. While some have been vocal in their opposition to galamsey, others have been complicit, either turning a blind eye or actively participating in the illegal activities.
This complicity, often driven by economic desperation, makes it difficult to mount a united front against the miners. Additionally, the involvement of powerful individuals and foreign entities, who often fund and equip illegal miners with sophisticated weapons, adds another layer of complexity to the problem.
The situation calls for a multifaceted approach that goes beyond enforcement. The government must prioritise the restoration of degraded lands and water bodies, providing alternative livelihoods for those who depend on galamsey for their survival. Public education campaigns are also essential to raise awareness about the long-term consequences of illegal mining and to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
Moreover, the fight against galamsey must be depoliticized. It is not an issue that should be used as a political tool or bargaining chip. It is a national crisis that requires the collective effort of all Ghanaians—government, civil society, the private sector, and the international community. The cost of inaction is too high to ignore.
The galamsey menace is a ticking time bomb that threatens the very fabric of the Ghanaian society. The destruction of water sources, coupled with the loss of vegetation and biodiversity, could push the country to the brink of an environmental catastrophe.
The time to act is now, before it is too late. The government, together with all stakeholders, must intensify efforts to end illegal mining, restore the environment, and secure the future of our nation. The battle may be challenging, but it is one that Ghana cannot afford to lose.
