By Rachel Kakraba
The Ghana Chapter of the UNOWAS Working Group on Women, Youth in Peace and Security (WG-WYPS) has asked government to, as a matter of urgency, announce a road map on tackling the water security challenges posed by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey operations, in the country.
It has also called on decision-makers, especially Parliament, to take urgent and coordinated action to strengthen governance and enforcement by implementing and enforcing local and international laws and frameworks to protect water resources and combat illegal mining, as well as strengthening local governance structures to ensure that women and youth are included in decision-making processes related to resource management and conflict resolution.
A statement, signed by the Convenor for the WG-WYPS Ghana Chapter, Mrs Theodora Williams Anti, expressed worry over numerous reports of the devastation galamsey is causing the environment, especially water bodies and citizens.
It said water is a basic necessity of life, and its availability or lack thereof, affect all persons, particularly, women and children.
“The Working Group cannot over-emphasise how the nation’s lands and water bodies are being destroyed. Huge lands are being degraded, causing deaths and injuries to many young people and women who are involved, further threatening health, food, and water security.”
The said Ghana must take deliberate actions that ensure its commitment to UN Security Council Resolutions on peace and security.
“Galamsey threatens the United Nations Security Council Resolutions that govern Ghana’s commitment to peace, security, and community resilience. These resolutions, which Ghana has domesticated through the development of National Action Plans, must seek to protect and prevent the peace and security of the populace.”
The statement makes reference to the “Ecological Study of GALAMSEY Activities in Ghana and their Physiological Toxicity”, published by the Journal of Environmental Toxicology Research in 2024, which highlights, among others, the high levels of contamination that galamsey is causing to water bodies in “districts like Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Bodi and Juabeso”.
The report notes how water pollution resulting from illegal mining activities, has led to severe contamination of major rivers such as Pra, Ankobra and Birim; the negative effects of which are felt by local communities (more particularly women and children) and the country’s ecosystem. The report further decried the reckless use of hazardous substances like mercury and cyanide in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
Adding on, “The Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7) Main Report, also states that approximately 71% of rural households have issues with their drinking water, such as odour, colour and suspended materials.”
The statement by the WG-WYPS said severe water and climate security challenges threaten not only livelihoods and health but also the peace and stability of communities, adding that illegal mining activities and related degradation of marginalised community resources, also exacerbate the plight of community members, especially women and children.
The WG-WYPS therefore calls for enhanced health and education services by improving access to health services, particularly in areas affected by water pollution, and ensures that educational programs focus on the importance of environmental stewardship and resilience.
“Address the root causes of conflict over resources by promoting community dialogue and collaboration and Support peacebuilding initiatives that prioritise the needs and voices of women and youth.”
The statement further also calls on citizens, especially women and young people, to call out nonchalant behaviours, among politicians, and businesses that fuel the galamsey menace to protect the future of citizens. The WG-WYPS says it will monitor the situation and take further actions when necessary.
The Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel is a coordination mechanism for the implementation of Resolutions 1325 (2000) and 2250 (2015), and an inclusive, multi-actor platform where women and youth become actors in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The Working Group is coordinated by UNOWAS and UN Women.
