“Galamsey,” the popular Ghanaian term for illegal mining, has become a national catastrophe. What began years ago as small-scale mining for survival has ballooned into an environmental crisis of devastating proportions. Yet, for over a decade, successive governments have merely “massaged” the problem, turning an ecological disaster into a political ploy.
The Cost of Political Double Standards
The crisis persists because there is a lack of political will to stop it. While in opposition, politicians demand a state of emergency to curb the destruction. Once in power, they dismiss the need for such action, arguing it would hurt the nearly 4 million people living in mining areas. The result? The rivers remain choked with sludge, turbidity levels are dangerously high, and health risks skyrocket.
This isn’t just poor policy; it’s a betrayal of stewardship.
Who is Profiting?
The shift from relatively minor, organized small-scale mining to today’s devastation is fueled by two primary factors: rampant unemployment and a sluggish national economy.
But the real tragedy is that these galamsey operations are heavily financed and protected by powerful actors—politicians, local chiefs, wealthy Ghanaians, organized criminal groups, and foreign nationals. This network of corruption enables the destruction to continue unchecked, posing a significant security threat to mining communities. The constant, repetitive cycle of police seizures, brief arrests, and renewed illegal activity has exhausted the public, making the crisis feel inescapable.
The Cry of Creation and Community
Ignoring the people’s cry is as dangerous as ignoring the voice of God. Disturbing images now show innocent children involved in galamsey. Communities near these sites lack access to clean water, exposing pregnant women, nursing mothers, and babies to grave, preventable risks.
As people of faith, we must remember that stewardship is not ownership. We are caretakers, not exploiters, of God’s creation. Our lives are inextricably linked to the environment. When the rivers are exhausted, when the trees beg, and when creation cries out in silence, humanity is forced to tremble.
Our Response: Action and Advocacy
Civil society is not remaining silent. Last year, groups including the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) under the Conference of Major Superiors of Ghana, the Archdiocese of Accra, and VIVAT-Ghana took to the streets to pray and petition the government for decisive action.
In response to this ongoing crisis, VIVAT-Ghana is intensifying its campaign, joining forces with other advocacy groups to address the issue.
The message is clear: Galamsey must stop. Sustainable, regulated mining practices must replace this reckless destruction.
Let us act now. Let us end galamsey before it ends us. The time for political games is over.
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