What began as speculations among ordinary and concerned citizens about the adverse consequences of practicing illegal mining, has today become a popular subject for government reports, newspaper articles, legislative policy debates, an issue of concern for health practitioners and a topic of discussion among political parties in Ghana.

Gather them and sell, which is popularly known as “Galamsey” has become an issue of national and global interest, as it presents both significant short-term economic opportunities and long-lasting environmental and social challenges.

The long-lasting impacts of Galamsey has seen a surge over the years, drawing global attention. Ghana is sandwiched between destroying the future for short-term benefit now or preserving today for a long-lasting future benefit, it is therefore crucial to explore the benefit and cost of Galamsey as well as the sustainable ways forward.

The blessing of Galamsey

Galamsey tends to provide an immediate economic benefit and financial freedom to many Ghanaians due to high unemployment rate and cost of living. Many individuals and families especially in the rural areas are inadequately resourced that some find it difficult to even afford a meal for a day, hence Galamsey is viewed as the only chance at survival and a source of employment which allows them to support their families and invest in local economies by engaging in other businesses in their communities.

The curse of Galamsey

 Regardless of the short-term economic benefit, Galamsey poses serious environmental threats and social consequences. Galamsey activities have led to severe and profound impacts such as deforestation, mortality and extinction of aquatic habitats, biodiversity loss, uncontrollable water pollution and land degradation.

However, several reports have confirmed the unsafe use of mercury and cyanide occurrence used in the extraction of Gold which has ended up polluting major river bodies beyond remediation including River Ankobra, River Pra, River Offin, Birim River etc. thus adversely affecting aquatic life and diminishing potable water sources.

The co-existence of aquatic and human populations is at an irreparable state of extinction as a result of consistent threats from the negative effects of exposure to these toxic elements.

The dangerous chemicals also contribute massively to chronic diseases such as kidney failures and liver cancer which have and are still claiming the lives of many Ghanaians. The headache and worry of most hospitals and pregnant women especially in the rural areas is the surge in birthrate of deformed babies as a result of exposure to these dangerous chemicals in the vicinity.

Agriculture for some years now has been a major catalyst to the Ghanaian economy but that is not the case anymore as arable lands have been converted into mining sites reducing agricultural productivity and increasing poverty especially in the communities where galamsey has taken root.

The loss of these arable lands poses serious threat to food security and those who are dependent on agriculture for survival.

The issue of social instability is also very alarming as conflicts and tension often arise from the usage of land between farmers and miners in most local communities. Local farmers resist oppression and intimidation tactics used by miners which usually results in violence.

Is the Ghanaian government actually aware?

Despite the severe consequences of illegal mining, the government has not taken sufficient measures to address the issue as they fail to take decisive and punitive actions against perpetrators. However, the poor are the ones that bear the consequences of these illegal mining activities. In recent times, labor unions, religious bodies and civil society groups are all demanding for immediate action from the Ghanaian government to both protect and restore the destroyed lands and water bodies, they believe their forefathers and ancestors did their best to protect the environment for them and they have the same mandate to protect it for the posterity but the minimal effort by government to combat this menace has proven to be futile due to lack of political will, inadequate enforcement mechanisms as well as corruption and greed.

What’s next?

To effectively reverse the curses posed by Galamsey while benefiting from the blessings, a strategic approach is needed:

Deal with corruption and greed

To effectively use adequate enforcement to combat Galamasey, regulatory agencies must be allowed to work independently and free from government interference to enable them take actions and decision that will help combat illegal mining. Officials involved in illegal mining should also be investigated and prosecuted to restore accountability and public trust in the fight against illegal mining.

Promote legal framework, strengthen regulations and educational campaigns.

Policies for working remediation programs, accountability to the people, public awareness and complete closure of illegal mining centers across the country should be explored to create a working solution for the entire riverine community. Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Water Company and CSIR should also play their role honestly in protecting water sources and the environment without any interference. Local communities on the other hand should be actively engaged to the have a better understanding of the devastating issue since they are major stakeholders when it comes to illegal mining.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the fight against Galamsey should not be politicized but treated as a matter of urgency because the survival of the present and future generation depends on the actions taken today. At this particular point based on the excesses of the curses, a plan to discontinue this devilish warthog activity should be established to return the buffering capacity of riverine back to its pure state. Take action now.

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The author, Ackah Gabriel, is a seasoned environmentalist and an MSc. Climate Project Management candidate at RUDN University in Russia.

E-mail: Ackahgabriel1@gmail.com