By Darroll Allan Tagoe
Benso, a vibrant town nestled in the rich agricultural belt of the Western Region of Ghana, has seen a disturbing rise in illegal mining activities, which is wreaking havoc on its farmlands and youth population. Although the town boasts picturesque green forests, fertile soils, and rich gold deposits, its future is threatened by the alarming effects of galamsey (illegal mining) that has taken root among the youth.
Reaching Benso from Accra involves a scenic yet rugged journey through the Central Region, passing notable towns such as Kasoa, Winneba, Mankessim, Cape Coast, and finally Kojokrom in Takoradi. A right turn near the newly refurbished Kojokrom Railway Station leads onto off-road tracks that wind through farmlands and streams, showcasing Benso’s natural beauty. Yet, beneath this serene landscape lies a deepening problem.
Historically, Benso has been an agricultural hub with vast cocoa farms, supported by a youthful, energetic population. However, this human resource, which could have been channeled into productive agricultural ventures, has instead been drawn into the lucrative but destructive activity of illegal mining. Galamsey has taken over the lives of many young men and women in the community, leaving farmlands devastated and livelihoods shattered.
The insatiable appetite for quick wealth has led many youth to abandon farming for gold mining, using crude and hazardous methods. Diesel-powered water pumps and homemade washing platforms are used to extract gold from soil and rock, causing irreversible damage to farmlands, particularly cocoa plantations. The effects of these activities are visible in the degraded fields and polluted water bodies that once nourished the community.
This illegal mining wave has not only attracted local youth but has also drawn in young men and women from neighboring countries, including Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. While the men are primarily engaged in illegal mining, many of the women have become involved in prostitution, further compounding the social challenges facing the community.
The destruction of farmlands, particularly cocoa farms, has sparked concern among local farmers and stakeholders. Benso, once a model of agricultural productivity, is now grappling with the loss of fertile lands and a sharp decline in crop yields due to the mining activities. The consequences of this environmental degradation stretch beyond Benso, threatening Ghana’s agricultural output and economic stability.
Efforts to curb illegal mining have been made, but the lure of quick wealth continues to draw more youth into these activities. As Benso faces this growing crisis, there is an urgent need for government intervention, community sensitization, and youth empowerment programs to redirect this energetic workforce back into sustainable agricultural practices.
For now, the devastating effects of galamsey continue to cast a long shadow over Benso, threatening not only the environment but also the future of the youth who could have been its driving force for positive change.