Feature by Regina Benneh
Sunyani (Bono) March 11, GNA - The devastating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey on the nation’s environment and health of the people remain enormous.
Presently, the effects of galamsey are evident in the pollution of water bodies, rapid depletion of the forest and vegetative covers, as well as mercury-poisoned communities, leaving the future of the nation hanging in a balance.
As the nation observes its 69th Independence Anniversary, it is crucial to reflect on the devastating impact of galamsey in shaping the future of the nation.
Ghanaians and citizens unborn deserve a future free from the toxic-grip of galamsey and that require collectivity to tackle the fight against the growing societal menace.
This will ultimately facilitate environmental preservation and sustainability, promote good health and well-being, as well as build a sustainable future for the next generations.
The devastating impact of galamsey
The Forestry Commission reports that early 9,000 hectares of the nation’s forest reserves have been devastated by galamsey, with over 5,200 hectares depleted in just three years.
Presently many water bodies have changed colour and are filled with toxic chemicals, threatening livelihoods.
Health experts are warning that excessive exposure to mercury, a poisonous chemical used for mineral (gold) extraction, can cause brain damage, kidney diseases, and birth defects, with children being vulnerable.
Exposure to mercury contributes to stunted growth and cognitive impairments in children.
The human cost of galamsey
Checks show that when pregnant women are exposed to mercury, it leads to miscarriages, stillbirths, and congenital defects of their unborn babies.
Inhalation of toxic fumes and dust also leads to respiratory problems, like asthmatic conditions.
Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies mercury exposure as a major threat to human health; most Ghanaians are engaged in galamsey now are doing so to get rich quickly.
But the benefits of galamsey can’t be compared to its enormous negative effects on the environment and human life.
Scenario
The harrowing experience of Mr Hinneh Adjei serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by galamsey.
He said he was traveling to Kumasi to visit his wife when armed robbers attacked their vehicle and in a desperate bid to escape, he ran into a bush only to fall and get entrapped in an abandoned galamsey pit. He said he was later rescued by some passengers who found him in a state of comatose.
Mr Adjei is now crippled and has been unable to work seven years after falling into the illegal mining pit.
He said it was now difficult for him to cater for his wife and only child, urging the government to tackle the galamsey menace with seriousness, warning that “everyone is at risk.”
In fact, a multi-faceted approach is required to address the root causes of illegal mining, provide sustainable livelihoods, and protect the environmentand this requires the government, civil society, and individuals to work together.
Combating Galamsey
Efforts to combat galamsey has been on-going as successive governments have launched crackdowns on illegal mining, arresting and prosecuting offenders.
Illegal mining communities: A hidden World
Makeshift settlements are rapidly springing up with thousands of people, including women and children living in areas common for illegal mining.
Unfortunately, people in those areas lived without access to education and healthcare, with young people abandoning their education for galamsey, risking their future.
Community experience: A dire situation
Residents at some of those illegal mining communities shared their experiences on how galamsey is thriving, denying access to formal education.
During visits by the Ghana News Agency to some galamsey sites in the Banda District of the Bono Region, children were seen playing around, with others hiding in tents.
There were no schools in the area; yet these innocent children have the right to education, and the situation is worsening in some illegal mining sites in the Wenchi Municipality.
Known for its cashew and cocoa production, some locals confirmed that illegal mining activities has been ongoing for more than 30 years in the area now.
That particular galamsey site visited is now a community by itself, with several stores and pharmacy shops gradually springing up, with the increasing use of generators and solar panels by the residents.
However, there were no schools and health facilities, denying children formal education and healthcare.
Mr Owusu Fodjour, one of the locals, noted that the illegal community was not comfortable for children’s development, saying that the future of the youth there remained bleak.
A generation at risk
In fact, the impact of galamsey on human health remains catastrophic, putting the life of a whole generation at risk.
Dr Ishmael Norma, a security analyst is calling for a shoot-to-kill policy as a proactive means to tackle illegal mining, saying that the nation must adopt drastic measures to fight the menace for environmental preservation.
He said the use of toxic chemicals in gold extraction has turned the nation’s water bodies, soil, and air into “a toxic cocktail,” posing significant health risks.
Way forward
Ghana’s future largely depends on environmental preservation and the quality of health of her people, and it imperative for the government to ensure strict enforcement of existing laws to tackle the menace head-on and provide support to affected communities.
The role of civil society and the media in supporting the government in the nationwide fight against the menace cannot be overemphasised, and this calls for effective collaboration and a decisive approach.
The successful fight against galamsey will not only restore and preserve the environment, but greatly enhance citizens’ health and well-being, thereby building a sustainable future.
Though the fight against galamsey seems challenging and insurmountable, with collectiveness, the nation can make a headway and overcome the menace.
In the spirit of unity, the nation must take a hard stance against galamsey to build a better society for all.
The role of citizens in upholding their responsibility of reporting suspected activities of galamsey in their localities, with chiefs and queen spearheading the fight, will ensure a fruitful solution to the menace.
The war on galamsey is a fight to protect and preserve the nation’s environment, and the time for collective action is now.
GNA
13 March 2026
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