The toxic ties of galamsey: How self-serving politicians and unconcerned traditional leaders fuel illegal mining

Illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” has become one of the most pressing environmental crises in Ghana.

Its effects on the nation’s water bodies, agricultural lands, and forest reserves are well-documented.

Despite its illegal status, galamsey has thrived, primarily due to the complicity of politicians and traditional leaders, who have failed to curb the menace and, in many cases, directly or indirectly benefit from it.

This article explores the toxic ties that link self-serving political figures and indifferent traditional leaders to the continued prevalence of galamsey in Ghana, while also examining the data on environmental degradation and proposing scientific remedial measures to mitigate the damage.

The Political Class and Galamsey

In Ghana, political will is critical to combating illegal mining. However, the political class has largely failed to enforce laws or regulate mining activities effectively. Instead, many political leaders have turned a blind eye, allowing illegal miners to operate freely. According to the University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (UTAG), state-led efforts to combat galamsey, such as Operation Vanguard, have been monumental failures due to corruption and political interference ​(UTAG’s Press statement on Galamsey, 2024). Politicians who stand to benefit financially from illegal mining activities often block the enforcement of regulations or manipulate the system to protect illegal miners. These political elites shield themselves behind their powerful positions while the environment suffers irreversible damage.

Galamsey provides quick financial returns, and for many politicians, the economic benefits outweigh the environmental destruction. Many political figures are implicated in supporting or even financing illegal mining operations ​(Environmental Professionals Press Statement, 2024). Doing so perpetuates a cycle of environmental degradation, economic instability, and public health crises. The press statement issued by Organised Labour in September 2024 indicates that Ghana risks importing water in the next six years if galamsey continues at its current pace ​(Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana’s Press Statement on Galamsey, 2024). Despite these warnings, political figures appear more interested in short-term economic gains rather than the long-term welfare of the nation.

The Role of Traditional Leaders

While the political class often bears the brunt of the blame, traditional leaders are also complicit in fueling galamsey. Chiefs and community leaders hold significant power in Ghana’s rural areas, where most illegal mining occurs. These leaders, entrusted with the stewardship of the land, frequently fail to act against illegal mining, allowing miners to degrade the environment without consequence. Worse still, some chiefs actively collude with illegal miners, accepting bribes or providing land to galamsey operators ​(UTAG’s Press statement on Galamsey, 2024; Environmental Professionals Press Statement, 2024).

The traditional leadership structure in Ghana is deeply embedded in the local culture, making it difficult for external forces to intervene. Chiefs wield enormous influence, and their approval or disapproval can determine whether illegal mining flourishes or is eradicated. However, most traditional leaders have been passive, if not complicit, in the destruction of their communities’ land. For instance, although some chiefs like the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, have taken a bold stance against galamsey, they are often in the minority​ (UTAG’s Press statement on Galamsey, 2024).

The actions of traditional leaders are sometimes justified by the economic incentives offered by illegal miners. Chiefs receive money in exchange for access to land and resources, which they then distribute within their communities. These financial gains, while beneficial in the short term, come at a steep cost. Communities are left to deal with the long-term consequences of environmental destruction, including polluted water sources, deforestation, and reduced agricultural productivity ​(Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana’s Press Statement on Galamsey, 2024; Environmental Professionals Press Statement, 2024).

Environmental and Health Impacts

The environmental degradation caused by galamsey is alarming. Water bodies such as the Pra, Birim, and Ankobra Rivers have been polluted beyond recognition due to toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide used in the mining process ​(Environmental Professionals Press Statement, 2024). These pollutants not only harm aquatic life but also pose severe health risks to the communities that rely on these water sources. For example, according to the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), turbidity levels in major rivers like the Pra have surged to alarming levels. In 2022, the GWCL recorded a turbidity level of over 4,000 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) in some affected areas, compared to the safe drinking water standard of 5 NTU ​(Environmental Professionals Press Statement, 2024). The result is a tenfold increase in the cost of water treatment, and despite these efforts, water quality remains substandard​ (Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana’s Press Statement on Galamsey, 2024).

The forest loss due to galamsey is equally concerning. Over the past decade, Ghana has lost approximately 2.5 million hectares of forest cover, representing over 50% of its forests, primarily due to illegal mining ​(Environmental Professionals Press Statement, 2024). The destruction of forests leads to soil erosion, decreased agricultural productivity, and the loss of biodiversity. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that Ghana loses approximately $2.3 billion annually due to illegal mining and its associated environmental impacts (UTAG’s Press statement on Galamsey, 2024).

In addition to health risks, the environmental impact of galamsey extends to the loss of agricultural lands. Ghana, once a major cocoa producer, has seen its cocoa productivity drop by 45% in recent years due to land appropriation for illegal mining​ (UTAG’s Press statement on Galamsey, 2024). This is a direct threat to the country’s economy and food security, exacerbating the existing economic inequalities between rural and urban areas.

Suggested Scientific Remedial Measures for Environmental Restoration

Restoring the environment from the destructive effects of galamsey is a complex and long-term process. However, several scientific methods can help speed up the restoration of forests, water bodies, and soil quality. The following measures are suggested

1. Bioremediation: This process involves using microorganisms to break down pollutants in contaminated soils and water bodies. In Ghana, bioremediation could be used to remove toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide from polluted rivers. Certain bacteria and plants, known as hyperaccumulators, are capable of absorbing and breaking down heavy metals, which could be introduced to affected areas to detoxify the environment​ (Environmental Professionals Press Statement, 2024).
2. Afforestation and Reforestation: Replanting trees is crucial to restoring Ghana’s lost forest cover. Native tree species, which are more resilient to local environmental conditions, should be prioritized to ensure long-term forest sustainability. In addition, fast-growing tree species, such as Acacia and Eucalyptus, can be planted in degraded areas to provide immediate ground cover, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil quality​ (Environmental Professionals Press Statement, 2024).
3. Constructed Wetlands: Constructed wetlands can be used to treat contaminated water bodies. These engineered ecosystems mimic natural wetlands, where plants and microorganisms naturally filter out pollutants. This method is highly effective in removing toxins, including heavy metals and other pollutants, from water bodies​ (Environmental Professionals Press Statement, 2024).
4. Soil Amendment: Using soil amendments such as biochar and compost can help rehabilitate degraded soils. Biochar, made from organic waste, improves soil fertility, increases water retention, and binds toxic heavy metals, making the land more suitable for agriculture once again ​(Environmental Professionals Press Statement, 2024).

The Call for Action

There is a growing consensus among environmental professionals and civil society groups that immediate action is needed to combat galamsey. Various stakeholders, including the Ghana Water Company and the Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana, have raised alarms about the devastating effects of illegal mining​ (TUTAG Press Release on Galamsey, 2024; UTAG Press Statement on Galamsay, 2024). These bodies are calling for a nationwide ban on all forms of illegal mining, along with a comprehensive review of mining licenses and land-use regulations. Their demands for stronger regulations, better enforcement of existing laws. Moreover, they advocate for the prosecution of politicians, traditional leaders, and other influential individuals who have contributed to the crisis by protecting illegal miners or facilitating their activities.

The way forward requires a concerted effort from all segments of society, including politicians, traditional leaders, and the general public. The government must take a firm stance against galamsey by holding accountable those in power who facilitate illegal mining. Simultaneously, chiefs and local leaders must exercise their authority responsibly, prioritizing the long-term well-being of their communities over short-term financial gain.

Conclusion

The toxic ties between Ghana’s political class, traditional leaders, and illegal mining have resulted in a deeply entrenched crisis. The inaction, and in many cases, complicity of these influential groups have allowed galamsey to persist at the expense of Ghana’s environment, public health, and future economic stability.

The galamsey crisis is not merely a problem of poverty or unemployment, it is a symptom of a broader failure of governance. Politicians and traditional leaders who should be protecting the nation’s resources have instead allowed them to be plundered for personal gain. The fight against galamsey is, therefore, not just about stopping illegal mining, it is about reclaiming Ghana’s future from the hands of those who would destroy it for profit.