A Feature by Regina Benneh, GNA
Sunyani, March 26, GNA- Ghana’s illegal small-scale gold mining, locally known as galamsey, will have devastating environmental and health impacts if allowed to continue.
The effects of galamsey are already evidenced in polluted waterways, deforested landscapes, and mercury-poisoned communities.
The future of Ghana environment hangs in the balance
As the country celebrates it independence , it will be crucial to reflect on the role galamsey plays in shaping the nations future.
The people of Ghana and future generations deserve a future free from the toxic grip of galamsey.
Collective action is needed to protect Ghana’s environment, ensure citizens’ health and well-being and build a sustainable future for the next generations.
The devastating impact of galamsey
The Forestry Commission has reported that nearly 9,000 hectares of Ghana’s forest reserves have been devastated by galamsey, with over 5,200 hectares lost in just three years.
Influential individuals are believed to be behind these activities, and the current approach is not yielding results.
Rivers and streams are filled with toxic chemicals, threatening livelihoods.
Health experts constantly stressed that exposure to mercury can cause brain damage, kidney disease, and birth defects.
Children are most vulnerable, with developing bodies and brains susceptible to poisonous chemicals, leading to stunted growth and cognitive impairments.
The human cost of Galamsey
Pregnant women are also at risk, with exposure to mercury and pollutants increasing miscarriages, stillbirths, and congenital defects.
The inhalation of toxic fumes and dust has led to increase in respiratory problems, including asthma.
The World Health Organization has classifies mercury as a major threat to human health.
Many Ghanaians are drawn to galamsey due to the promise of quick wealth, but the benefits cannot be compared to the precious lives and environment being lost.
A complex issue with no easy solution
Mr. Hinney Adjei’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by galamsey pits.
He was traveling to Kumasi to visit his wife when armed robbers attacked the vehicle.
In a desperate bid to escape, he ran into a bush and fell into an abandoned galamsey pit in the bush.
Trapped and afraid, Mr. Adjei shouted for help, fearing the robbers would hear him.
Passengers eventually rescued him, but he was left in a coma. He woke up in a hospital bed, crippled and in pain, unable to walk for seven years.
Now, Mr. Adjei can walk slowly but cannot work to support his wife and child.
He urged authorities to tackle galamsey with seriousness, warning that everyone is at risk due to the miners’ actions.
A multi-faceted approach is needed to address galamsey’s root causes, provide sustainable livelihoods and protect the environment.
The government, civil society, and individuals must work together.
Combating galamsey
Efforts to combat galamsey have been underway, with past and present governments launching crackdowns on illegal mining.
Individuals destroying the environment and water bodies have been arrested while others face prosecution.
Illegal mining communities: A hidden World
Deep in Ghana’s illegal mining areas, makeshift settlements have sprung up, with thousands of people, including families and children, living without access to schools or healthcare.
The youth are particularly vulnerable, abandoning education for galamsey and risking their health and future.
Community experience: A dire situation
Residents in affected areas described how galamsey has gradually taken over, with destruction worsening in recent times.
The presence of galamsey has denied children access to formal education, and the lack of healthcare facilities has exacerbated health risks.
A media visit to a galamsey site at the Banda district in the Bono Region revealed children laughing, crying, and playing in hidden tents, but there were no schools in the area, denying them their right to education.
The team at the Wenchi Municipality was shocked by the destruction caused by galamsey in the area, known for its cashew and cocoa production.
Locals shared that galamsey activities have been ongoing for over 30 years in the area, worsening in recent times.
The area has become a community with stores, generators, and solar panels, but lacks basic amenities like schools and healthcare facilities.
Children are denied formal education, and health risks are exacerbated by galamsey.
Mr. Owusu Fodjour, a local resident, noted that while the area has shops, pharmacies, and clinics, they were still not comfortable for child development and expressed concern about the youth, future leaders, surviving on galamsey with no better future.
The youth in these areas are particularly vulnerable, with many abandoning their education to engage in galamsey.
Residents expressed concerns about their future, lured by quick wealth but risking their health and well-being.
A generation at risk
Galamsey’s impact on human health is catastrophic, putting a generation at risk.
Dr. Ishmael Norma, a security analyst has called for a shoot-to-kill policy to tackle galamsey, saying drastic measures are needed to protect Ghana’s environment and people.
The use of toxic chemicals in gold extraction has turned Ghana’s water bodies, soil, and air into a toxic cocktail, posing significant health risks.
.The government must enforce laws and regulations to help Ghana tackle this scourge and provide support to affected communities.
Ghana’s future depends on it. The government, civil society, and individuals must work together to protect the environment, ensure citizens’ health and well-being, and build a sustainable future.
The fight against galamsey for better future will be a long and challenging one, but with collective action, Ghana can overcome this scourge and build a brighter future for all its citizens.
The government must take a hard stance against galamsey, enforcing existing laws and regulations and providing support to affected communities.
Recommendations
Together, we can make a difference and ensure a better future for Ghana.
Individuals should report galamsey activities to the authorities and support efforts to protect the environment.
Ghana’s war on galamsey is a fight to protect Ghana’s environment and ensure a better tomorrow for all Ghanaians, the time for action is now.
The situation is dire, with galamsey leaving a trail of death, disease, and destruction..
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba