By The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has issued a clarion call to the Judiciary to prioritize and expedite the hearing of cases related to galamsey, the pervasive illegal small-scale gold mining that continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s environment, economy, and public health.
In a statement released on April 26, 2025, the GBA condemned the unchecked rise of galamsey activities, emphasizing the urgent need for judicial accountability to curb this growing menace. As Ghana grapples with the fallout of decades of illegal mining, the GBA’s plea underscores a critical juncture in the nation’s fight to protect its natural resources and secure a sustainable future.
The Galamsey Menace: A National Emergency
Galamsey, a term derived from the phrase “gather them and sell,” refers to illegal small-scale gold mining operations that have proliferated across Ghana. According to estimates, over 200,000 individuals are directly involved in galamsey, including a significant number of foreign nationals from countries like China, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Between 2008 and 2013 alone, more than 50,000 Chinese nationals reportedly entered Ghana to participate in illegal gold mining, often bringing with them heavy machinery like excavators and bulldozers that amplify the environmental destruction.
The consequences of galamsey are staggering. Major rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, Oti, Offin, and Birim have been heavily contaminated with toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, used in the gold extraction process. The Ghana Water Company Limited recently warned that if galamsey activities are not curtailed, the country could face severe water scarcity by 2030, forcing Ghana—a nation blessed with abundant water resources—to import water for domestic use.
Beyond water pollution, galamsey has led to the destruction of vast swathes of forest reserves, farmlands, and cocoa plantations, threatening food security and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.
Health impacts are equally alarming. Communities near galamsey sites report rising cases of chronic diseases linked to water pollution, including skin disorders, respiratory issues, and kidney damage. The environmental toll has also exacerbated flooding in areas like Koforidua, where silted rivers and drains—clogged by mining debris—have submerged homes during heavy rains.
In a surprising move, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Awatey recently ordered the release of seized galamsey excavators to desilt drains in flood-affected areas, a decision that has sparked debate about the balance between enforcement and pragmatic solutions.
A History of Failed Interventions
Ghana’s battle against galamsey is not new. The government’s efforts to regulate small-scale mining date back to the 1989 Small-scale Gold Mining Act, which sought to formalize artisanal mining and provide alternative livelihoods for those dependent on galamsey.
The 2006 Minerals and Mining Act further restricted small-scale mining to Ghanaian citizens, aiming to curb foreign involvement. However, these measures have largely failed to stem the tide of illegal mining.
In 2013, a joint task force deported 4,500 Chinese miners, but the problem persisted. When President Nana Akufo-Addo took office in 2017, he famously declared his willingness to “put his presidency on the line” to end galamsey, establishing the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining.
Despite these efforts, galamsey activities have continued to escalate, driven by poverty, unemployment, and the lure of quick profits in a country where gold accounts for nearly 50% of export revenues.
Since President John Dramani Mahama assumed office on January 7, 2025, there has been a renewed push to tackle galamsey. Joint operations involving the police, military, Immigration Service, Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and national security have led to significant arrests and seizures. On April 15, 2025, a raid in the Subri Forest Reserve at Abrewa Ninkrane—a notorious galamsey enclave—saw the destruction of makeshift camps and the evacuation of illegal miners, many of whom were foreign nationals from Nigeria, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Just days later, on April 21, a police operation in the Samreboi forest resulted in the arrest of 47 individuals, including 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals, with 17 excavators and a bulldozer seized. The most recent operation on April 25 arrested a Chinese national, an Indian, a Burkinabe, and several Ghanaians, further highlighting the international dimensions of the crisis.
The GBA’s Call to Action
Against this backdrop, the GBA’s statement on April 26, 2025, is a timely intervention. The association has called on the Judiciary to ensure that those caught engaging in galamsey are held accountable “without fear or favour.” The GBA argues that delays in prosecuting galamsey cases undermine the government’s enforcement efforts and embolden illegal miners to continue their activities with impunity. By prioritizing these cases, the Judiciary can send a strong signal that environmental crimes will not be tolerated, potentially deterring future violations.
The GBA’s plea comes at a time when public frustration with galamsey is at an all-time high. Civil society groups, traditional leaders, and environmental activists have long called for tougher action against illegal mining, pointing to the irreversible damage it has caused to Ghana’s ecosystems. The contamination of rivers like the Pra and Tano, for instance, has not only disrupted water supply but also decimated aquatic life, affecting fishing communities that depend on these rivers for their livelihoods.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the GBA’s call is a step in the right direction, addressing the galamsey crisis requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond judicial action. One of the biggest challenges is the socioeconomic drivers of galamsey. Many Ghanaians turn to illegal mining as a means of survival in the face of limited economic opportunities. The government’s alternative livelihood programs, such as those introduced under the 2006 Minerals and Mining Act, have often been underfunded and poorly implemented, leaving communities with few viable options.
Moreover, the involvement of foreign nationals in galamsey points to the need for stronger border control and international cooperation. The influx of Chinese miners, in particular, has been a contentious issue, with reports of local collusion and corruption enabling their operations. Addressing this will require not only deportations but also diplomatic efforts to curb the flow of foreign actors into Ghana’s mining sector.
Another critical issue is the role of large-scale mining companies, some of which have been accused of engaging in galamsey-like practices under the guise of legal operations. The recent agreement by Goldbod, a state-backed entity, to purchase 20% of the gold output from nine large-scale mining companies is a positive step toward formalizing the gold trade and reducing the market for illegally mined gold. However, stricter oversight of these companies is needed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Finally, public awareness and community engagement are essential to the fight against galamsey. The government must work with local leaders, schools, and media outlets to educate citizens about the long-term consequences of illegal mining. Initiatives like the “No-Fees-Stress” policy for tertiary students and the National Apprenticeship Programme, launched in April 2025, demonstrate the Mahama administration’s commitment to empowering the youth with education and skills—potentially reducing the allure of galamsey as a source of income.
Conclusion
The GBA’s call for the Judiciary to expedite galamsey-related cases is a crucial step in Ghana’s ongoing battle against illegal mining. However, judicial action alone cannot solve a problem that is deeply rooted in economic, social, and political challenges. As President Mahama’s administration intensifies its enforcement efforts, it must also address the underlying drivers of galamsey through sustainable development, international collaboration, and public engagement.
The stakes are high: failure to act decisively could lead to an environmental catastrophe that future generations will pay for dearly. For now, the GBA’s plea serves as a reminder that justice must be swift and unwavering in the face of a crisis that threatens the very soul of Ghana
2 Comments