Illegal small-scale mining, popularly referred to as Galamsey, has now become an existential crisis as it is destroying large tracts of lands and almost all notable waterbodies in the country. So far, some 200,000 hectares of farmland in the country and notable waterbodies like the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, and Densu Rivers have been destroyed by the activities of illegal small-scale miners.

Already, the galamsey is impacting the health conditions of Ghanaians, particularly those in the galamsey prone areas. Children are being born with deformities and clean drinking water with no heavy metals and other chemicals is becoming hard to find in such areas.

As an organisation focused on the sustainable development of rural communities, we are very much worried about the devastating effects of illegal-small mining on the livelihoods, health and wellbeing of rural dwellers and Ghanaians as a whole. Thus, the team at the foundation with one voice urgently calls on government and all other relevant stakeholders to immediately halt the activities of illegal-small scale mining to save our lands and waterbodies.

‘’Illegal mining, or galamsey, is causing irreversible damage to our environment, from polluted rivers to destroyed farmlands. It threatens not only our natural resources but also the livelihoods of many communities, especially in rural areas. Galamsey undermines sustainable development efforts, and the long-term health risks from toxic chemicals used in mining are alarming. We urgently need authorities to take decisive action to enforce regulations, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect our ecosystems. Our future depends on preserving the land and water that sustains us, and we cannot afford to delay.’’ – One team member notes.

Another team member also adds, “I am disturbed by the worsening environmental destruction and economic disaster in galamsey areas. Its devastating impact extends far beyond ecological destruction. It has become both a public health emergency and an economic catastrophe. Communities in mining areas are reporting alarming increases in birth deformities and kidney diseases from heavy metal exposure. Meanwhile, Ghana’s cocoa production has plummeted to a 22-year low of 425,000 metric tons, partly due to farmlands being converted to mining sites. With LI 2462 potentially opening even forest reserves to mining, we risk our biodiversity and the health of future generations, as well as the livelihoods of over 6 million cocoa-dependent Ghanaians. We must act now.’’.

According to another team member, ‘‘the mad rush for gold, accompanied by the indiscriminate issuance of licenses permitting gold mining, paints a picture that suggests revenue from gold will propel us into economic prominence. However, if that were true, Ghana would have been a notable example in lectures on economic growth and development. This highlights that our environment cannot be sacrificed at the expense of economic gain. The fight shouldn’t focus solely on illegal mining but also on the indiscriminate issuance of mining licenses.’’

‘’My take on galamsey is strongly negative’’, from another team member. The team member continues, ‘‘While it may provide quick income to some individuals, the long-term damage it causes far outweighs any short-term benefits. Galamsey pollutes water bodies with harmful chemicals like mercury and cyanide, leading to severe health problems for communities that depend on these resources. It also destroys farmlands, causing food insecurity and deepening poverty in rural areas. The environmental destruction from deforestation and land degradation further threatens the future of these communities. In the end, galamsey harms more people than it helps and puts the environment and livelihoods at risk.’’

Another team member ‘‘strongly condemns galamsey (illegal mining) for its devastating impact on Ghana’s environment and public health, especially in rural areas. The destruction of forests, water bodies, and farmlands jeopardizes food security and overwhelms the healthcare system. Mercury and lead contamination from galamsey leads to alarming rates of congenital, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. I call on authorities to immediately halt illegal mining by dismantling the networks supporting it, offering alternative livelihoods to affected communities, and enforcing stricter environmental laws. Protecting Ghana’s environment and health is crucial for our future. Let’s unite and fight galamsey, Action is needed now! I STAND AGAINST GALAMSEY!’’

In conclusion, there is absolutely no time to waste now. The relevant stakeholders need to act immediately to save our lands and waterbodies.