Galamsey: Addressing the menace and the role of politicians

By Nii Odenkey Abbey, Communications and TransMedia Storyteller

Illegal small-scale mining, known locally as “galamsey,” has become one of the most critical socio-environmental challenges. With severe impacts on the environment, water bodies, and local communities, the menace has drawn significant public concern and political discourse. Despite efforts by successive governments to address galamsey, its persistent rise indicates a deep-rooted problem that requires political will and substantial public support to resolve. Today, galamsey seems like a national Crisis and it is not just a threat to the environment, but also to public health, agriculture and the economic sustainability of the affected areas. River bodies like the Birim, Ankobra, and Pra, which once provided clean water for farming and household use, have become heavily polluted with chemicals like mercury and cyanide due to these mining activities. Farmlands, forests and wildlife are being destroyed, leaving entire communities impoverished and displaced.

Moreover, illegal mining has fueled corruption, child labour, involvement of women and other criminal activities. Some traditional leaders and local authorities have been accused of conniving with illegal miners, while others have pointed fingers at political elites, allegedly benefiting from profits of galamsey activities. The result is a complex web of socio-political dynamics, making it difficult to tackle the issue comprehensively. Political will from our politicians in tackling the galamsey menace cannot be overemphasized. This refers to the determination of the government and policymakers to enact and enforce laws that address the dangers galamsey pose, without yielding to political pressure, financial interests or other external influences.

In Ghana, political will is a vital factor in shaping the effectiveness of policies designed to eliminate illegal mining. While successive administrations have shown an awareness of the problem, questions about the depth of their commitment to ending galamsey remain. For instance, the government’s “Operation Vanguard” initiative, launched in 2017, was a military intervention aimed at stopping illegal mining activities. Though the operation led to some arrests and the destruction of mining equipment, it was criticized for its short-term nature and lack of a sustainable framework. Many illegal miners simply returned to their activities after the military left the mining areas, indicating a lack of follow-through.

Prosecuting those involved in galamsey activities, irrespective of their political affiliations or social status is a practical demonstration of Political will. One of the reasons illegal mining persists is the perception that some individuals in power shield galamsey operators from facing the law. Until leaders at the highest level demonstrate a commitment to combating galamsey through transparent and equitable law enforcement, the problem will persist. Since the government alone cannot handle it, public support is an indispensable element. This collective action and backing from citizens, civil society organizations, traditional leaders and local communities in combating galamsey will go a long way in the flight. In many ways, galamsey is a societal issue, with economic, cultural and social implications, that involve ordinary citizens, as well as elites. Many communities involved in galamsey rely on the practice as a primary source of livelihood. In areas where formal employment opportunities are scarce, illegal mining offers a quick financial fix, despite its long-term environmental and social consequences.

The allure of galamsey is difficult to ignore for individuals facing poverty, limited access to education and a lack of alternative income sources and this is why public support is critical. Communities must be engaged in the fight against galamsey, not just through punitive measures but by providing alternative livelihoods. Skills training, support for small-scale farming, and youth empowerment programmes can help shift the focus away from illegal mining and towards more sustainable economic activities. Government and non-governmental organizations need to work closely with local communities to foster a sense of ownership over the natural resources they are protecting. Moreover, public education campaigns that emphasize the long-term consequences of galamsey on water quality, agriculture, and community health are crucial.

These campaigns should not only raise awareness but also inspire a sense of national responsibility among Ghanaians. For the public to rally behind the government’s efforts, there must be a collective understanding through a multi-stakeholder approach, that the destruction caused by illegal mining outweighs any short-term financial gains, with the government demonstrating firm political will through consistent enforcement of mining regulations and prosecution of offenders. At the same time, there must be a transparent and accountable process for managing the country’s natural resources.

Civil society organizations have a vital role to play. Additionally, the private sector, particularly legal mining companies, can be instrumental in promoting responsible mining practices. These companies should partner with the government to enforce environmental protection measures and promote ethical business models. Ghana stands at a crossroads in its fight against galamsey. Public support is essential and must be backed by coordinated efforts at all levels of society. Ending galamsey requires more than just punitive measures; it calls for a long-term strategy that balances environmental conservation with sustainable economic growth. Political leaders must act decisively, not only to preserve the nation’s natural resources but also to protect the health and future of its people. Equally, the Ghanaian public must rise to the challenge, recognizing that the galamsey menace is not just a political issue but a collective one that demands action from all sectors of society. The battle against galamsey is far from over, but with the right political will and widespread public support, there is hope that Ghana can overcome this pressing challenge.

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