The impact of galamsey on indigenous communities: A case study of the Western Region
In Ghana’s Western Region, the once-pristine forests have given way to a devastating reality. Galamsey, the country’s notorious artisanal mining practice, has ravaged the environment, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake.
The Ankobra River, which flows through Juaboso and the Nzema East District, is a stark example of galamsey’s impact. Direct mining on the river has reduced its integrity, contaminating its waters. A 2023 water quality test revealed alarming levels of arsenic, chromium, lead, and other toxic metals.
Opanin Kofi Adjei, a native of the community, shared his concerns in an interview. “Some MMDCEs and MPs in our communities employ people to engage in galamsey,” he revealed. “Chiefs in other communities have also hired workers to mine illegally, denying residents access to jobs, tourism, and livelihoods.”
Opanin Adjei lamented the loss of their clean water source. “The river, which was once pristine, is now milky and harmful. I used to fish during September and October, but due to the pollution, it’s become difficult to even catch fish to sell.”
Galamsey’s effects extend far beyond the Ankobra River. The practice is destroying Ghana’s environment, making people ill, exacerbating water scarcity, and damaging farmlands and crops like cocoa.
Artisanal mining, which is often carried out by Ghanaians and foreigners, including Chinese and West African nationals, operates outside the law. According to the Africa Defense Forum military magazine, over 50,000 Chinese nationals entered Ghana between 2008 and 2013 to mine gold illegally.
The government’s efforts to combat galamsey date back to 1989, with the passage of the Small-Scale Gold Mining Act. Despite successive governments’ attempts to address the issue, galamsey remains a persistent problem.
Environmental impact
Galamsey has led to widespread deforestation, destroying habitats and ecosystems. The Ankobra River, once a thriving source of fish and other aquatic life, is now a shadow of its former self.
Water pollution is another significant concern. The 2023 water quality test revealed alarming levels of toxic metals, making the river’s water unfit for human consumption. Soil degradation is also a major issue, with galamsey leading to soil erosion, reduced fertility, and decreased agricultural productivity.
Social impact
Galamsey has forced communities to relocate, leading to social, cultural, and economic disruption. The loss of livelihoods, decreased economic opportunities, and increased poverty have all taken a devastating toll on local communities.
Health impacts are also a significant concern. Galamsey has led to mercury poisoning, respiratory problems, and increased disease prevalence. The destruction of traditional healthcare systems and the loss of indigenous knowledge have further exacerbated these health issues.
Cultural impact
Galamsey has destroyed cultural heritage sites, including sacred groves, shrines, and historical landmarks. Traditional practices, such as farming, hunting, and gathering, have been disrupted, leading to the loss of indigenous knowledge and cultural identity.
Government and
community response
The government has launched several initiatives aimed at combating galamsey. These include the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, the passage of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2015, and the launch of Operation Vanguard, a joint military-police taskforce aimed at combating galamsey.
Community-led initiatives and activism have also been instrumental in raising awareness about the dangers of galamsey. Local communities have organised protests, petitions, and awareness campaigns, calling on the government to take decisive action against galamsey.
Conclusion
Galamsey’s impact on indigenous communities in the Western Region of Ghana has been devastating. The destruction of the environment, the loss of livelihoods, and the erosion of cultural identity all pose significant challenges to the long-term sustainability of these communities.
To address these challenges, it is essential that the government, civil society, and local communities work together to develop and implement effective solutions. These solutions must prioritise the needs and rights of indigenous communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
Ultimately, the fight against galamsey requires a collective effort, one that recognizes the intrinsic value of Ghana’s natural resources and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
The writer is a journalist
BY GLORIA MINTAH NSIAH
