Introduction

Galamsey operations—informal, unlicensed small-scale mining—have long plagued Ghana’s environmental and socio-economic landscape. Recent accusations by Ghana’s Parliamentary Minority suggest that under President John Mahama’s administration, the crisis has reached critical levels, with alleged systemic inaction and superficial policy rebranding.

This article examines the claims made by the Minority faction, contextualizes the environmental and governance challenges, and explores actionable solutions to curb the galamsey menace. By analyzing political, ecological, and legal dimensions, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue while offering insights into sustainable mitigation strategies.

Analysis of Claims and Implications

Governance and Political Will: A Central Concern

The Minority’s allegations center on the government’s perceived neglect in combating galamsey activities. They argue that President Mahama’s public engagements, such as the recent Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) meeting, lack substantive follow-through. According to the minority, these initiatives are “publicity gimmicks” designed to mask systemic failures rather than address root causes.

Political accountability in environmental crises often hinges on transparency and measurable outcomes. Critics cite the absence of tangible policy enforcement, despite Mahama’s public assurances. This disconnect underscores broader governance challenges in prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term political gains.

Environmental Devastation: Quantifiable Harms

The environmental toll of unchecked galamsey operations is alarming. A joint report by Pure Earth and Ghana’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) highlights catastrophic levels of heavy metal contamination in water bodies, severely impacting agriculture and public health. Rising turbidity—linked to soil erosion from mining activities—has degraded water quality, threatening Ghana’s food security.

• Soil degradation: Polluted soils render farmland unproductive, exacerbating rural poverty.
• Deforestation: Forest reserves have been converted into mining sites, disrupting biodiversity.
• Water contamination: Communities relying on rivers for irrigation and drinking face acute risks.

Policy Continuity vs. Rebranding

Comparing past and present approaches, the Minority alleges that Mahama’s administration has merely rebranded existing policies (e.g., renaming “Red Zones” to “Safety Zones” and “Operation Halt II” as “NAIMOS”) without renewing commitment. They contrast this with Akufo-Addo’s era, which saw initiatives like the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining and Operation Vanguard—a military-led crackdown considered more effective.

Key reforms under Akufo-Addo included:

• Education programs: Collaboration with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to certify informal miners.
• Legislative amendments: Strengthened penalties for illegal mining under the Minerals and Mining Act (Act 704).

While these measures temporarily curbed galamsey activities, the Minority argues that the Mahama government has failed to sustain this momentum, leaving communities trapped in a cycle of exploitation and degradation.

Summary of Key Issues

The Minority’s allegations paint a grim picture of:

• Environmental degradation: Heavy metal contamination, deforestation, and farmland loss.
• Policy stagnation: Rebranding of existing frameworks without renewed enforcement.
• Public health risks: Contaminated water and food supplies.
• Erosion of trust: Perceived lack of political will to address the crisis.

These issues highlight a potential governance gap in balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship, raising questions about accountability and long-term sustainability.

Key Points for Stakeholders

1. Environmental Impact

Heavy metals like mercury and arsenic from galamsey operations contaminate water sources, jeopardizing the health of 5 million Ghanaians reliant on rivers for drinking. Studies link prolonged exposure to increased cancer risks and developmental disorders in children.

2. Economic Consequences

While illegal mining generates informal wealth, it undermines the legal mining sector, which contributes <1% of Ghana’s GDP. The destruction of arable land—over 40% of which is earmarked for mining in Akyem—threatens agricultural exports vital to the economy.

3. Public Health Crises

Communities near mining sites report higher rates of respiratory illnesses and skin conditions linked to contaminated water. The EPA has recorded mercury levels in some rivers exceeding WHO guidelines by 500%.

Practical Advice for Mitigation

Policy Reforms Required

Ghana must reinstate and expand robust frameworks such as:

• Revisiting the Minerals and Mining Act: Introducing harsher penalties for repeat offenders and mandatory rehabilitation fees.
• Community Mining Centres: Establish licensed zones for small-scale miners to operate legally, paired with equipment upgrades to reduce environmental harm.
• Technology Adoption: Deploy remote sensing tools to monitor mining activities in real time.

Grassroots Engagement

Civil society and local leaders must advocate for grassroots solutions, such as:

• Alternative Livelihoods: Training farmers in sustainable agriculture to reduce reliance on mining.
• Awareness Campaigns: Collaborate with schools and media to highlight environmental costs.

Points of Caution

While addressing galamsey is urgent, policymakers must avoid:

• Over-reliance on militarization: Excessive use of force could marginalize artisanal miners without social safety nets.
• Ignoring informal sector dynamics: Many small-scale miners lack formal education and require retraining programs.
• False equivalencies: Not all illegal mining operations pose equal risks; prioritize high-impact zones.

Government vs. Private Sector Response: A Comparative Analysis

Under Akufo-Addo, the government leveraged Operation Vanguard’s military-civilian collaboration to seize equipment and arrest perpetrators. Mahama’s reliance on CSO engagement lacks the same coercive capacity. However, critics argue that long-term success requires public-private partnerships to rehabilitate mined lands, as seen in initiatives like the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), which revitalized degraded cocoa farms.

Legal Implications and Accountability

While no prosecution has been filed against the government yet, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) could theoretically apply if illegal mining profits from state contracts are traced. Additionally, victims of environmental harm may pursue lawsuits under Ghana’s Environmental Health and Safety Regulations, though enforcement remains inconsistent.

Legal experts note that until concrete evidence of negligence is documented, pursuing litigation will remain a theoretical safeguard.

Conclusion: Urgency for Decisive Action

The galamsey crisis demands a unified response from government, civil society, and industry. Without decisive action, the cascading effects on Ghana’s environment, health, and economy will persist. The Minority’s warnings serve as a critical reminder: sustainability requires more than rhetoric—it demands policy rigor, community collaboration, and accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is galamsey, and why is it problematic in Ghana?

A1: Galamsey refers to illegal small-scale mining, often without licenses. It causes environmental degradation, contaminates water sources, and displaces farming communities, worsening rural poverty.

Q2: Has President Mahama reversed policies from the previous administration?

A2: No reversals have been implemented, but critics argue Mahama’s administration has failed to uphold Akufo-Addo’s legacy of active enforcement, instead deprioritizing the issue.

Q3: Can Ghanaians legally challenge government inaction on galamsey?

A3: Yes. Under Ghana’s Constitution, citizens can petition courts for “environmental redress” if public offices breach statutory duties. The EPA’s inaction could form grounds for such litigation.

Sources and Further Reading

• Pure Earth & EPA Ghana Report on heavy metal contamination
• Minerals and Mining Act (Act 704) full text
• Interview with Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong on Life Pulse Daily (2025)
• World Bank Case Study: Illegal Mining in Sub-Saharan Africa