Ghana’s illegal mining crisis has spiraled into an urgent national concern, severely impacting the country’s environment, economy, and social fabric. Despite ongoing efforts by successive governments, the practice remains deeply entrenched, with devastating consequences for communities across the country.
Over 1.1 million Ghanaians, particularly youth facing high unemployment, are estimated to be involved in illegal mining activities, while foreign nationals from neighboring countries such as Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso, along with individuals from China, have also become active participants. The informal mining sector, driven by the promise of quick profits, has continued to undermine the formal economy, especially in regions where mining operations dominate.
A major casualty of this illegal activity is Ghana’s cocoa industry, the second-largest in the world and a critical pillar of its economy. The devastation of cocoa farms by illegal mining operations has put the country’s status as a leading cocoa producer at risk. With global demand for Ghanaian cocoa accounting for nearly 20% of worldwide supply, the loss of vast tracts of fertile agricultural land to mining is a direct threat to the nation’s economic future.
Environmental Devastation
The environmental toll of illegal mining is catastrophic. Major water bodies such as the Pra, Offin, Densu, and Ayensu rivers have been heavily contaminated by mining activities, especially the use of harmful substances like mercury. These rivers, which serve as essential water sources for local communities, have become polluted, forcing many water treatment plants to shut down due to high turbidity levels. The widespread contamination of these rivers is putting pressure on the country’s water infrastructure, leading to shortages in communities that rely on these vital sources.
Concerns are also mounting over the long-term health impacts of mercury exposure on residents living near mining sites. As the chemical spreads throughout local water and soil, the risks to public health are intensifying.
In addition, the Ghana Forestry Commission reported the destruction of over 4,700 hectares of forest land, including portions of 34 of the country’s 288 protected forest reserves. The loss of forest cover threatens biodiversity, exacerbates soil erosion, and contributes to climate change, making the environmental impact of illegal mining far-reaching.
Economic and Social Impacts
Illegal mining has also brought devastating economic consequences for farmers, particularly cocoa producers. Yaw Owusu, a farmer from Mankraso in the Ashanti Region, shared his tragic experience of having his 20-acre cocoa farm destroyed by illegal miners. “I was too afraid to confront them because they were armed,” he said. “I’m not the only one; many farms in the area have been wiped out.” This is a common story among farmers in regions affected by illegal mining, many of whom have lost their livelihoods.
The safety of individuals involved in illegal mining has been compromised as well. In January 2025, two miners tragically lost their lives when a mining pit collapsed in Osino, Eastern Region. Violent clashes between illegal miners and security forces have resulted in fatalities, with a recent confrontation at the AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, leaving nine illegal miners dead. Armed with locally-made firearms and other weapons, the miners engaged in violent resistance, leading to a deadly confrontation with security personnel.
Government Responses and Urgent Action
In response to the escalating crisis, the Ghanaian government has implemented several initiatives to combat illegal mining, including the formalization of small-scale mining and the launch of the Community Mining Programme in 2019. However, progress has been slow, and illegal mining continues to thrive, with enforcement efforts often undermined by the sheer scale of the problem.
The government has also relied on military and police operations, such as Operation Vanguard, which regularly raids illegal mining sites. Despite these efforts, the challenge of addressing illegal mining remains immense.
As the crisis continues to grow, civil society groups are calling for more decisive action. Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana, condemned the recent violence, calling for accountability and justice for the victims. He also urged the government to prioritize inclusivity by ensuring that mining concessions are fairly allocated to indigenous miners.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has joined calls for urgent intervention, urging President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency on the country’s water bodies and deploy military forces to remove illegal miners. They have called for a ban on mining within 100 meters of rivers and streams to protect water sources.
Presidential Response
President Mahama has responded to the growing public outcry by ordering an immediate investigation into the recent violence at AngloGold Ashanti Mines. In an official statement, he expressed deep regret over the loss of life and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. “The government deeply regrets the tragic loss of up to nine lives, reportedly illegal miners, following a violent clash at a mining site in Obuasi,” he said. “Those found to have acted unlawfully will be held accountable.”
The Road Ahead
The crisis facing Ghana requires a delicate balance between addressing illegal mining and preserving the country’s natural resources and economy. As the government and civil society push for stronger action, the situation remains dire, with significant implications for the future of Ghana’s environment, economy, and the wellbeing of its citizens.