By: Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, has reached a fever pitch, with calls for a state of emergency clashing with warnings of potential bloodshed. The debate is not just about environmental policy; it is a complex tapestry woven with threads of politics, economics, public health, and human rights. This is a battle for Ghana’s very survival.
The Human and Environmental Catastrophe
The environmental and health impacts of galamsey are dire and undeniable. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, the Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, paints a grim picture: over 960 families have lost farmlands, with more than 556 acres destroyed in the Central Region alone. He stresses that this is not a future crisis but an “existential one,” citing rising kidney diseases, skyrocketing water treatment costs, and even birth defects in affected areas. Ashigbey’s poignant question—”If poisoning an enemy’s water in wartime is considered a war crime, what do we say about citizens poisoning their own?”—humanizes the tragedy, highlighting the moral and ethical dimensions of the crisis. The polluted water bodies, once pristine, now run brown with mud and chemicals, a stark visual representation of a nation’s failing health.
A 2025 study highlighted that exposure to chemicals used in galamsey is linked to decreased sperm count and motility in men, and hormonal imbalances and increased chances of miscarriage in women. The health crisis is a silent killer, claiming the lives of farmers, miners, and entire communities. A Kumasi resident, Akwasi, lamented, “Our land is our life. Now we cannot farm, our children are sick, and the river we drank from all our lives is a poison.” This is a deeply personal crisis for millions of Ghanaians, a story of livelihoods lost and a future clouded by toxic sludge.
The Frontlines of Devastation: Regional Hotspots
The destructive footprint of galamsey is most visible in Ghana’s mineral-rich regions. The Western and Ashanti Regions, in particular, have been devastated, with extensive deforestation and contamination of major water bodies like the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim rivers. These rivers, once the lifeblood of communities, now run thick with toxic sludge, rendering them unusable for drinking, farming, and domestic use. In the Western Region, a study estimated it would cost over $250 million to reclaim the lands and water bodies damaged by galamsey. “The mines have turned our water bodies muddy and toxic,” lamented Sefah Abdul Razak, a cocoa farmer in the Ashanti Region. “We can’t get water for our farms. We have to buy it, but that costs more than what we get from our cocoa.”
The Economic and Social Toll
While galamsey provides a quick, albeit dangerous, income for a few, its broader impact on Ghana’s economy is catastrophic. The practice is estimated to cost the nation more than $2.3 billion each year in lost revenue and illegal smuggling. The destruction of farmlands threatens national food security, with more than 100,000 acres of cocoa farms destroyed, impacting a crop that accounts for nearly 10% of Ghana’s exports. The cost of water treatment has tripled, and some experts warn that at the current rate of contamination, Ghana may have to import fresh water by 2030. In addition to economic losses, galamsey has led to an increase in social instability, with clashes with armed illegal miners resulting in the deaths of security personnel and civilians.
A Clear Distinction: Legal vs. Illegal Mining
A critical but often overlooked aspect of the debate is the distinction between legal, artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) and the illegal, destructive “galamsey.” Under Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, small-scale mining is reserved for Ghanaian citizens, can be a vital source of livelihood, and, when properly regulated, contributes to national development. The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) advocates for its members to follow responsible practices and contribute to the economy by paying taxes. Illegal mining, however, operates outside this legal framework, often employing destructive practices, evading taxes, and smuggling gold.
The Unseen Hands: Foreign Actors and Local Power Brokers
The fight against galamsey is made infinitely more difficult by allegations of political complicity and corruption. The Media Coalition Against Galamsey has been vocal about the need to hold “politically exposed persons” accountable. According to a ResearchGate report, illegal miners have often operated with impunity because they were protected by public officials, politicians, and chiefs in return for private payments. This endemic corruption is seen as the major barrier to effective enforcement. The disappearance of over 500 seized excavators under a previous administration further eroded public trust and highlighted the deep-seated nature of the problem. This systemic failure, where those in authority turn a blind eye for personal gain, fuels public frustration and cynicism.
Foreign involvement, particularly from Chinese nationals, has long been a flashpoint in the galamsey debate. These foreign actors often provide the capital and sophisticated heavy machinery that drives the large-scale environmental devastation. They operate in a complex web of agreements with local chiefs and land owners, making enforcement difficult and creating a sense of foreign domination in the mining sector.
Calls for a State of Emergency: A Divided Path to Action
The political debate has been deeply polarized, with the government advocating for a more gradual approach and others, including the main opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), pushing for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency. A spokesperson for the NPP noted, “We are beyond the last resort. His Excellency Mr President, please you should immediately declare a state of emergency… in parts of the country that require it to save Ghanaians.” This highlights the bipartisan nature of the public’s concern, even as political figures on both sides debate the best course of action. This clash of views is not just about policy; it’s a reflection of the deep-seated frustration felt across the country.
The economic and social reality for miners adds another layer of complexity. Professor Michael Ayamga-Adongo of the EPA warns that a state of emergency could backfire and lead to a “blood bath,” given the “widespread community involvement in illegal mining.” This caution highlights a critical, often overlooked reality: galamsey is not just an environmental crime; it is an economic lifeline for many. It’s estimated that hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions, of Ghanaians depend on galamsey for their livelihood. A young miner, Yaw, explained, “The water is a problem, but what we need is money. We have no jobs. This is all we have to feed our families.”
Charting a New Course: Solutions and Challenges
While the debate rages on, key stakeholders are also proposing a long-term roadmap. The government’s focus on geo-fencing and tracking excavators, while a significant step, is just one part of the solution. Reforms to the Minerals and Mining Act are crucial, specifically to create a legal framework for small-scale and medium-scale mining that can be properly regulated. The plan to provide alternative livelihoods for displaced miners, such as in agriculture or other sectors, is essential to address the root cause of economic desperation. However, implementing these solutions is a monumental task that requires sustained political will, significant funding, and a deep-seated change in community attitudes toward environmental preservation. The success of any intervention will hinge on its ability to address both the symptoms of galamsey—the destroyed lands and polluted rivers—and its underlying causes: poverty and corruption.
President Mahama’s Vision for a Regulated Sector
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that “artisanal miners are not enemies of the state, when properly trained and supported, they can be allies in development.” This view aligns with the government’s approach of not criminalizing all small-scale miners but rather integrating them into a formal, sustainable framework. He has cited the successes of other countries, which have effectively managed their small-scale mining sectors through formalization and regulation, creating jobs and boosting development. He has warned that the government would no longer allow Ghana’s mineral wealth to “enrich others while leaving our people in poverty.” The government’s new program, the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), seeks to provide legal concessions, training, and mercury-free processing facilities to empower local miners.
Mobilizing a Nation
The national mood is one of growing frustration and anxiety. The FixTheCountry Movement, leveraging social media platforms like X, is channeling this frustration into public action. Their upcoming vigil and march are a testament to the belief that the fight against galamsey is a “civic duty” that transcends political affiliation. This grassroots mobilization, driven by young people and civil society, represents a powerful new front in the war against illegal mining. It’s a reminder that this issue is not confined to the halls of power but is a collective responsibility, a fight for a sustainable future for all.
A Defining Moment for Ghana’s Future
The fight against galamsey is the ultimate test of Ghana’s ability to chart its own course toward sustainable development. It is a defining moment that will determine whether the nation can protect its natural resources, safeguard public health, and create a prosperous future for its citizens. The solutions are complex, demanding a comprehensive approach that addresses environmental degradation, economic desperation, and systemic corruption. The ongoing debate and public mobilization highlight that this is not a battle for a single administration but a collective struggle for the soul of the nation. The outcome will shape Ghana’s destiny for generations to come.
