Hundreds of Ghanaians have taken to the streets for a second day on Friday, passionately demanding government intervention to combat illegal mining in the country, which is recognized as Africa’s largest gold producer.
Protests began Thursday, with demonstrators holding placards urging the release of their peers who had been arrested during a previous rally. As the protests continued into Friday, participants shifted their focus to the urgent need for action against illegal mining practices, which they claim are causing severe pollution of rivers and degradation of soil across the nation. This alarming environmental crisis has ignited widespread concern among citizens, leading to a final day of protests planned for Saturday.
“This is more than a crisis; it’s a fight for the future of our nation,” declared Brownson Adatsi, the lead organizer of the Free The Citizens Movement, while delivering a petition in Accra, the capital. “The future of our children is at stake, and we will not stand by as our country suffers from greed and negligence.” His words resonated deeply with the crowd, reflecting the widespread sentiment that immediate action is necessary to protect the nation’s resources and ensure a sustainable future.
Gold is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, contributing nearly half of the country’s exports in 2023, according to central bank statistics. While large mining companies like Newmont Corp. and Gold Fields Ltd. are mandated to follow strict environmental regulations, the artisanal and small-scale mining sector operates with significantly less oversight. Authorities acknowledge that a considerable number of small-scale mining operations are illegal, which has resulted in significant environmental harm and has raised alarms among both activists and community members.
Locally referred to as ‘galamsey,’ which translates to “gather and sell,” illegal mining activities have been expanding unchecked, leading to serious ecological consequences, according to reports from activists and environmental advocates.
Labor unions are also intensifying their calls for government action, especially with the presidential elections approaching on December 7. This growing pressure highlights the urgency of addressing the illegal mining crisis as a key issue for the electorate.
In a recent meeting with the Trades Union Congress, the largest labor union in the country, President Nana Akufo-Addo discussed the rising concerns over illegal mining. This meeting followed the union’s announcement of plans to initiate an indefinite strike beginning October 10, demanding a complete ban on all forms of small-scale gold mining. A spokesperson for the union was unavailable for immediate comment regarding the outcomes of this meeting, but the discussions signal a critical moment for labor relations and environmental policy in Ghana.
The artisanal and small-scale mining sector officially accounts for about one-third of Ghana’s gold production, although not all of this activity is illegal. This sector traditionally evokes images of individuals using basic tools to extract gold. However, there has been a notable increase in the use of heavy machinery and dredging equipment, often deployed near or even within rivers and forests, with little regard for the environmental damage caused.
The lack of rehabilitation efforts after illegal mining operations has resulted in widespread pollution of land and water sources, leading to serious health problems and water shortages for local communities. The environmental ramifications of these activities are profound and threaten the very fabric of many communities that depend on these natural resources.
One protest placard succinctly stated, “Small-scale mining no longer exists,” capturing the frustrations of many citizens who feel that the traditional forms of mining have been overtaken by harmful practices that disregard the health and sustainability of their environment.
