For generations I have existed in the shadows. I was born out of desperation and nurtured by greed. My name is Galamsey. In the beginning, I was seen as an opportunity—a way for the poor and desperate to carve out a livelihood from the earth. My hands dug deep into the soil, searching for gold, feeding families, and promising a better future.
But as I grew, so did my hunger.
I tore through forests, leaving behind barren lands where once-thriving ecosystems flourished. Rivers that once ran clear now flow murky brown, choking on the sediment and toxic chemicals I have poured into them. The land cries out, but I do not listen—I am fueled by profit and desperation, by the insatiable desire for wealth that blinds those who wield me. The children bathe in poisoned waters. The farmers watch their crops wither, the soil no longer rich but sick. Even the miners—my closest kin—breathe in my dust and suffer the silence of sickness.
And yet I ask: Did I do that? Or did we?
I built empires on the backs of communities I left in ruins.
People who sought fortune through me often find themselves trapped in a cycle of exploitation, where danger lurks in collapsing mines and toxic fumes steal lives. I have taken from the land, from the people, from the future. Did I really do that?
The Duality Of Illegal Mining
IMAGINE THIS: it’s early morning in a small Ghanaian mining town. Ama, a young woman, barely in her twenties, trudges through a forested path, a shovel slung over her shoulder and hope in her eyes. She’s heading to a galamsey site, an illegal mining operation, to dig for gold.
For her, today isn’t just another day. It’s another chance to earn something, to earn anything, to support her family. But what she doesn’t see, or perhaps doesn’t allow herself to think about, is the irreparable damage she’s leaving in her wake: poisoned rivers, stripped lands, and a future that might not sustain even the faintest glimmer of hope.
This is the dual reality of galamsey. On one hand, it’s a lifeline for thousands of Ghanaians trapped in the grip of poverty, offering them the means to survive today. On the other hand, it’s a ticking time bomb for our environment, our ecosystem, our economy, and our collective future.
The tragedy of galamsey isn’t just in the destruction it causes. The tragedy lies in the choices that force people into it. How do you tell someone to stop mining illegally when it’s the only way they know to feed their children? How do you justify the long-term risks to someone who can barely make it through the short term? These aren’t easy questions, but they’re the ones we must face if we are to tackle this issue with both altruism and resolve.
Because here’s the thing: we cannot afford to sacrifice tomorrow for today. Every inch of land destroyed, every drop of water poisoned, is a debt we are borrowing from the next generation, a debt they’ll have to repay with overwhelming interest. And that’s not just unfair; it’s toxic and unsustainable.
As we delve into the hows, whats and whys of galamsey, let us keep one thought at the forefront— this isn’t just about villains or victims. Galamsey in my opinion is about choices, complex, imperfect choices, and the courage to imagine better ones.
Historical Facts of Illegal Mining
Galamsey, a phrase derived from Ghana’s Akan language that combines “gather” and “sell,” has emerged as a prominent feature of the country’s economic and environmental landscape. This phrase was firstly, in reference to small-scale mining, which is not illegal. Over the years, however, it has come to represent illegal surface mining that disregards environmental concerns and involves unsafe practices. Galamsey, thus, does not refer to small-scale mining but to illegal surface mining, which has emerged as individuals seek alternative sources of livelihood. In communities where Galamsey is prevalent, traditional occupations such as farming, hunting, fishing, driving, dressmaking, and crafts such as basket weaving and processing natural resources, among others, have become increasingly less lucrative. This has pushed many individuals, particularly the youth, into illegal mining because it promises relatively better income. It is sometimes described as a “quick path to becoming rich”
Galamsey’s history may be traced back to pre-colonial and colonial eras, when artisanal mining was popular. The vast majority of indigenes were frozen out of legal mining because colonial legislation required demonstration of literacy, sufficient funds and successful prospecting as conditions for mining. But, the discovery by indigenes, in the late 19 th century, that mercury could be used to extract gold from sand residue, especially those left by the miners, led to the steady growth of an ‘unauthorised’ industry to ‘gather-them-and-sell,’ which led the jargon ‘Galamsey.’ Some small-scale and surface miners have permits and concessions that allow them to operate, while others do not. Those without concessions can easily be classified as illegal miners and described as “galamseyers”.
Beneath the Glitter: The Hidden Cost of Galamsey
Gold may glitter but, Galamsey leaves nothing shining behind
Illegal mining operations are prevalent throughout Ghana, with concentrated activity in mineral-rich regions like Western, Ashanti and Eastern.
Beneath the golden shimmer that draws so many to the promise of Galamsey lies a far darker reality—one that doesn’t glint in the sun but festers in silence.
The land, once cloaked in lush forests and alive with the sounds of wildlife, now bears scars. Trees fall to the axe, habitats are lost to machines, and rivers that once gave life now carry poisons. Deforestation, habitat destruction, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss—these are Galamsey’s silent footprints across Ghana’s natural landscape.
But the damage doesn’t stop with the environment.
In the heart of the mining pits, men and women labor under grueling conditions. With bare hands or rudimentary tools, they work surrounded by mercury and cyanide—chemicals used to draw gold from stone. These toxic substances seep not just into water and soil, but into the lungs, skin, and lives of the miners themselves, bringing with them a host of health problems that grow in the shadows.
Mental burdens grow heavier, too. The stress of unstable income, the danger of collapsing tunnels, and the constant uncertainty all take a toll on the minds of those who depend on Galamsey to survive.
And then there are the communities nearby—the families who rely on the same rivers now tainted with poison, the farmers whose crops wither in polluted soil, the children who grow up wondering what clean water tastes like. The health risks extend far beyond the mine’s edge, carrying with them socio-economic strain and deep psychological wounds.
This story map exists to lift the curtain. To reveal the true cost hidden behind the promise of gold. It is a journey into the ecological devastation and the human toll of Galamsey—one that demands not only awareness but action.
Galamsey activities in Ghana are not limited to a particular region; they have spread throughout a large percentage of the country, impacting both regions and individual districts within them. These illicit mining activities have left an unmistakable imprint on Ghana’s biological ecosystem, with each area and district facing its own set of issues. Galamsey activities in the Ashanti Region, particularly in districts like Obuasi, Amansie West, and Atwima Mponua, have led to extensive deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. The region has been significantly impacted ecologically, as documented in numerous field studies. In the Western Region, districts such as Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Prestea-Huni Valley, and Wassa Amenfi East, which are rich in mineral resources, have witnessed extensive galamsey operations. This has resulted in profound deforestation, water contamination, and disruption of local ecosystems. The prevalence of galamsey in Ghana’s Central Region, particularly in Assin North, Mfantseman, and Gomoa West, has jeopardized the cocoa and wood sectors. Water pollution and habitat devastation have grown widespread, threatening vital natural resources. Mining activities in districts like Kwahu West, Birim Central, and Atiwa have led to a loss of biodiversity in the Eastern Region’s forests and wildlife habitats, while soil degradation poses significant challenges to local agriculture. This regional ecological impact has been documented in studies. The Upper East Region, with districts such as Bawku West, Bongo, and Builsa North, has experienced soil degradation and the loss of fertile land. Agriculture for some years now has been a major catalyst to the Ghanaian economy but that is not the case anymore as arable lands have been converted into mining sites reducing agricultural productivity and increasing poverty especially in the communities where galamsey has taken root.
The distribution of illegal mining at the district level in Ghana as well as our major water bodies and forest reserves can be seen in the map below:
Contamination of water bodies from mining is a pressing issue in districts like Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Bodi, and Juabeso. The effects are felt by local communities and the region’s ecosystems, necessitating urgent environmental protection efforts. The Ahafo Region, rich in gold deposits, has become a hub for galamsey operations, causing deforestation and habitat destruction. This has far-reaching effects on natural resources and local economies, especially in districts like Asutifi North, Tano South, and Sunyani West. Emerging galamsey activities in districts like West Gonja, Central Gonja, and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba in the Savannah Region are already resulting in consequences for local ecosystems and natural resources.Findings of the Ecological Distribution and Toxicity of Galamsey Activity in Various Regions of Ghana can be seen in Table 1 below:
AUTHOR(S)
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA(S)
ECOLOGICAL DISTRIBUTION EFFECT
SUMMARY OF TOXICITY FINDINGS
Owusu-Nimo et al., 2018.
Western Region
-Extensive deforestation and loss of habitat near mining sites -Impact on specific ecosystems (e.g., riverine habitats)
High mercury levels in water bodies Health risks for miners
Kuffour et al., 2020
Ashanti Region
-Soil degradation leading to localized ecological changes. -Impact on biodiversity within the region
-Decline in agricultural productivity. -Respiratory issues among locals.
Nyantakyi-Frimpong et al., 2023
Eastern Region
-Habitat loss in specific forests -Impact on flora and fauna distribution.
N/A
Donkor et al., 2023
Central Region
-Impact on Ghana’s cocoa and timber industries within the region
Health effects among local cocoa farmers due to water contamination.
Ayamba et al., 2017
Upper East Region
-Spatial analysis of mining areas and their effects on the local ecology
Respiratory health issues among galamsey miners. -Mental health challenges
Alhassan, 2014
Nationwide
Summarizes the ecological distribution effects across various regions in Ghana
-Aggregated health findings from multiple regions.
Table 1. Ecological Distribution and Toxicity Findings of Galamsey Activities in Different Regions of Ghana
Deforestation of Forest Reserves and Habitat Destruction
Ghana’s tropical rainforest forms part of the Guinea Forest, which is one of the 34 severely threatened ‘World Biodiversity Hotspots’ in West Africa. Ghana has about 256 forest and nature reserves purposely designated for sustainable production and protection of forest reserves. These forests contribute to about 38% of forest communities’ total income and about 6% of the country’s GDP. The forest dwellers depend on timber and non-timber forest products produced by these forests. Though the country’s forest reserves were established to protect the remaining biodiversity and provide environmental benefits, deforestation continues to occur in these forests even with their reservation status.
The enormous deforestation and habitat damage caused by galamsey is one of the most visible repercussions in Ghana. Forests that were previously teeming with wildlife are being destroyed ceaselessly to make space for mining. Illegal mining has altered most landscapes across Africa, with the forested regions of Ghana especially altered. For example, the vegetation cover in the Wassa West district in Ghana has reduced significantly during the period between 1986 and 2002. The open canopy cover, closed canopy cover and plantations areas diminished while other land uses such as mining areas doubled. Further studies in the Atewa range forest reserve showed that the forest reserve had been affected by illegal mining, logging and farming activities. These activities are some of the major drivers of LULC change in the catchment area (refers to the geographical area surrounding a specific location, such as a school, that includes all accessible population grids within a certain distance. It is calculated using GIS analysis to determine the population living near the designated location). Large portions of Sekondi-Takoradi city and its environs have been changed from a natural ground surface to surfaces that are impervious. In the Ankobra River Basin and Pra River Basin, illegal mining was the major driver of LULCC. Illegal Mining has accelerated the depletion of the forest cover in the basin. The removal of trees and vegetation causes the extinction of many plant and animal species, some of which are unique or endangered. As mining operations increase, these places become barren, degraded landscapes, affecting the composition and function of local ecosystem. The consequences of habitat destruction go beyond immediate environmental impacts; they extend to the disruption of ecosystems that many local communities depend on for their livelihoods, such as farming and traditional agriculture. This loss of biodiversity can lead to a reduction in ecosystem services, which can have an impact on the well-being and resilience of these communities.
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Esri, TomTom, Garmin, METI/NASA, USGS | Esri, Michael Bauer Research GmbH 2023, Ghana Statistical Service | Esri, Impact Observatory
A typical example of the consequence of illegal mining can be found in the Asutifi North District of Ahafo Region of Ghana. The forests in this area have gone through various stages of forest cover change over a period of 34 years. Five Land Use Land Cover(LULC) classes were identified. They are: water bodies/swampy areas, forest, built-up/barelands, open vegetation and mining areas.
By 2020, the forests had undergone significant deforestation with the percentage cover reducing from about 63 % in 1986 to about 32% by 2020. While the forest cover reduced, there was an increase in built-up areas by 4% during the same period at a yearly rate of change of 0.12%. Between 1986 and 2020, the extent of open vegetation in the studied area increased by 21%. While at the same time water bodies and mining areas increased by about 4% and 2 % respectively. The forest of Ghana provides diverse ecological, environmental, and socio-economic benefits to many people in society with local people benefiting the most . But the capacity of these forests to provide these benefits and services to the Ghanaian society on a sustainable basis is under threat by continued forest destruction that had resulted in major forest cover changes and environmental degradation long before 1986. Deforestation threatens ecosystem services such as climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and water catchment protection. The observed reduction in the forest cover over the 34-year period is a continuation of the trend that had already been observed for Ghana by the early 1980s.
Soil Degradation and Loss of Biodiversity
Large amounts of land are frequently excavated and altered in galamsey operations. The disturbance created by these mining activities has the potential to significantly degrade soil. Topsoil removal, contamination with pollutants such as mercury and cyanide, and physical disturbance of the ground all lead to soil erosion and decreased fertility. These challenges not only have an impact on agricultural output, but they also alter the equilibrium of local ecosystems.
Soil deterioration has a direct influence on local agriculture, making it impossible for people to survive on conventional farming. Furthermore, the loss of rich soil owing to mining activities has an impact on agriculture’s long-term viability, providing food security concerns for the people. In tandem with soil degradation, loss of biodiversity further compounds the ecological crisis caused by galamsey. Many native plant and animal species are on the verge of extinction or are already endangered as a result of habitat loss. According to a study conducted by Nyantakyi-Frimpong et al. in 2023, the decrease in biodiversity in the Eastern area has wide-ranging consequences that impact ecosystem services and disrupt the natural balance.
Water Pollution
Water pollution resulting from illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, has led to severe contamination of major rivers such as Pra, Ankobra, Bonsa, Tano and Birim. A considerable percentage of individuals residing in mining communities, approximately 4.8% of respondents, express grave concerns about water pollution. The use of hazardous substances like mercury and cyanide in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has gained notoriety. These chemicals are essential for separating gold from ore but have detrimental effects on water quality. Toxic substances from mining sites, referred to as “tailings,” infiltrate rivers and groundwater, posing a significant threat. Mercury, a heavy metal utilized to bind gold particles together, presents a particularly insidious problem. When released into water bodies, it undergoes a transformation into methylmercury, an extremely toxic form that accumulates in fish and other aquatic organisms. The consumption of contaminated fish can lead to mercury poisoning in humans, resulting in neurological and developmental issues, particularly in children. Cyanide, employed to dissolve gold, also carries its own risks.Poor containment and management of cyanide waste can lead to disastrous spills, as witnessed in various mining accidents. Water contaminated with cyanide affects not only aquatic life but also the individuals who depend on these water sources. The increase in water pollution has contributed to the spread of water-borne diseases such as typhoid and hepatitis. Additionally, mercury exposure has been linked to neurological and kidney damage in affected populations. A significant factor contributing to this problem is the lack of regulation and oversight. Many small-scale mining operations operate informally, circumventing environmental standards.
Water pollution from galamsey is causing chronic diseases and Ghana could be importing water by 2030
Ghana Water Company
Let the rivers run clear again, and the forests whisper life—not sorrow.
Impact of Illegal Mining on Ghanaian Communities: Nature Under Siege
Loss of Livelihood: Illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, have resulted in the displacement of farmers and the destruction of cocoa farms, which are Ghana’s most important cash crop. This has led to a decline in food crop production, posing a threat to food security. The depletion of forests due to mining has dramatically reduced the harvesting of non-timber forest products such as snails, honey, and firewood. Cocoa is a crucial source of income and a significant contributor to Ghana’s economy, generating a substantial portion of its export revenue. However, galamsey has displaced cocoa farmers in many regions. The unregulated mining activities often result in the degradation of fertile farmland, rendering it unsuitable for cocoa cultivation. This further exacerbates the loss of livelihoods for cocoa farmers. Displaced farmers not only experience a significant reduction in income but also face economic instability as they are compelled to seek alternative means of livelihood. Galamsey not only impacts cocoa production but also disrupts the cultivation of food crops such as cassava, plantains, and yam. Mining activities pollute water bodies and contaminate the soil, leading to reduced crop yields and poor crop quality. As food crop production declines, Ghana’s food security is compromised. This poses a risk to the country’s ability to adequately feed its population, potentially resulting in food shortages, higher prices, and increased food insecurity for vulnerable communities.
Galamsey On Cocoa Farmers: Farmer rescinds decision to lease farm
Furthermore, galamsey contributes to widespread deforestation and the destruction of habitats, causing a significant decline in the availability of non-timber forest products. Local communities that traditionally depend on resources such as snails, honey, and firewood for income and sustenance are adversely affected. The scarcity of these resources limits their options for making a living. Additionally, the loss of forest resources erodes the traditional ecological knowledge of communities that have relied on these resources for generations.
Health Implications: Ample data from sources such as WHO and CDC indicate that contaminated water and inadequate sanitation are linked to the transmission of diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and rotavirus. Artisanal gold mining, while illegal, has become lucrative in Ghana. However, it devastates the environment, causes deforestation, and pollutes the water, air, and soil through the release of toxic chemicals. Data from CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response indicate that chemicals such as mercury and cyanide pollute water, air, and soil through natural processes and industrial activities, thereby posing potentially deadly threat to humans. Pollution of water bodies caused by illegal mining puts community health at risk. When water is contaminated with toxic chemicals, people are driven to find alternative water sources. Many of these sources are often contaminated with bacterial pathogens such as typhoid. ASGM miners may be exposed to mercury by both inhalation of burnt mercury and eating of contaminated seafood. However, in the case of Ghana, mercury inhalation appears to be of greater relevance, as mercury content in Ghanaian fish,in ASGM communities, remains relatively low, as does the consumption of fish. Studies reported biomarker values in urine and hair in Ghana exceed guideline limits, with urinary mercury levels (indicative of elemental exposures) closely mirroring those observed in ASGM locations throughout the world . Children and fetuses are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of mercury and experience more serious symptoms. The main way they are exposed to mercury is by eating contaminated fish. Due to the increased sensitivity of the fetal brain to mercury, the Foods & Drugs Authority advises pregnant or breastfeeding women and children to avoid fish that have high levels of mercury, such as shark, king mackerel, tilefish, swordfish, and tuna.
Similarly, heavy metal contamination in some water sources has caused water treatment plants to shut down. When these treatment plants shut down, a community can suddenly be without an improved source of safe water. This can force people to turn to unimproved water sources that increase the risk of typhoid and other waterborne pathogens. Data from the 2020 Ghana Rapid Health Situation Assessment Report indicate high prevalence of typhoid, among other diseases, in mining communities. Media reports have also shown that some communities can only access contaminated water and this has caused an increase in skin infections and waterborne diseases. In the Shama District, located in the Western region of Ghana and made up of six communities where there is increased illegal mining, diarrheal cases increased from 5,000 to 10,000 in three years . It is likely that typhoid bacteria are similarly found in the unsafe water and that typhoid burden may also be increasing. The difficulties with typhoid diagnosis mean that people may fall ill but not receive an accurate diagnosis or treatment. The communities with increased mining often lack a health center that can appropriately diagnose and treat individuals when they get sick. This is especially dangerous for a disease such as typhoid that can quickly escalate and require primary healthcare services. The families who depend on illegal mining are those most likely to fall ill and least likely to access high quality health care. Animals are also vulnerable to heavy metal contamination, which can decimate wildlife populations and upset entire ecosystems. Fish, a primary source of protein for many Ghanaians, are often the first victims of water contamination.
Once they absorb toxins, they pass them up the food chain, leading to biomagnification. This means that as humans consume fish and other animals exposed to these toxins, they ingest concentrated levels of heavy metals, compounding the health risks.
Antimicrobial resistance is also emerging as an unintended consequence of galamsey. The heavy metals used in mining disrupt microbial communities in soil and water. These metals promote the selection of resistant bacterial strains, further exacerbating the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. This means that diseases that were once treatable may become harder to manage, with infections becoming more resistant to antibiotics due to the contamination of the environment.
Turning the Tide: Conservation Efforts In Motion
Ghana has lost more than 33.7% of its forests since the early 1990s due to logging, unsustainable farming practices, mining and infrastructural development. Deforestation has a devastating impact on soil, water, air quality and biodiversity.
However, there are some conservation efforts being implemented by government, NGOs’ and some International bodies that work towards mitigating the effects of illegal mining and other unsustainable practices that causes deforestation and soil degradation in our forest reserves. In recent years Ghana has seen a growing commitment to reforestation, with various stakeholders, including the government, NGOs, and local communities, coming together to restore Ghana’s forests.
Forests in all forms―whether tropical, temperate or boreal, perform far more functions than simply the production of wood and non-wood products. They are crucial for the attainment of more than half of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs). They provide solutions to the following; Poverty eradication, Environmental sustainability, Food security and agriculture, Clean water and watershed protection, Biodiversity conservation, Mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, Combating of desertification and land degradation, and disaster risk reduction. Forests are vital for creating green economies, including green industries.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Efforts:
Numerous NGOs are actively involved in reforestation efforts in Ghana. Organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance, Nature Conservation Research Centre, and A Rocha Ghana are implementing projects that involve:
Community-Based Reforestation: Engaging local communities in tree planting and forest management, ensuring that reforestation efforts are sustainable and benefit local livelihoods.
Educational Campaigns: Raising awareness about the importance of forests and the need for conservation through educational programs and campaigns.
Atewa Forest
This area is a unique highly biodiverse upland evergreen forest providing habitats for many endemic and endangered species, and critical ecosystem services like clean water and climate change resilience. A Rocha Ghana, an environmental NGO has supported the over 50 communities dotted around the forest with various livelihood interventions to help reduce over reliance on the forest for survival. Atewa Forest is home to many birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and amphibians which are either threatened or found nowhere else. It is home to more than 100 species currently at risk of extinction.
Five million people depend on the forest for a clean water supply. There are plans to extract bauxite – the ore of aluminium – from the Atewa hills. A Rocha Ghana is taking the lead in the campaign to protect it from mining, and for it to become a national park.
The ACCAP project is driving the Atewa Range Forest Reserve towards one goal – securing the long-term integrity of the forest by engaging in local and international campaigns advocating for the protection of Atewa against government’s plans to mine bauxite in it. The project is also tackling the ongoing degradation and encroachment from illegal logging, hunting, farming, and small-scale gold mining. Central to this is our work with the forest edge communities to build institutions – Community Resources Management Areas (CREMAs) – that empower them to take responsibility for their own natural resources.
Atewa Forest Drone Footage
Government Initiatives
The Ghanaian government has introduced several policies aimed at promoting reforestation and sustainable forest management. In regions like Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Ghana, pilot programs are training former Galamsey workers in sustainable farming and responsible mining practices. Schools are incorporating environmental education into their curricula, nurturing a new generation of guardians for the land. Some other Key Initiatives are:
Green Ghana Project: Launched in 2021, this initiative aims to plant 20 million trees by 2024. The project encourages citizens to participate in tree-planting activities and raises awareness about the importance of forests.
National Reforestation Programme: This long-term program focuses on restoring degraded forest reserves and establishing plantations. It also promotes agroforestry practices to integrate tree planting with agriculture.
The Ghanaian government has taken decisive steps: deploying task forces to clamp down on illegal operations, introducing community mining schemes as safer alternatives, and enforcing laws to protect vulnerable ecosystems. River bodies such as the Pra, Birim, and Ankobra—once choked with mercury—are now the focus of national clean-up campaigns aimed at restoring water quality and aquatic life.
The 2022 Edition of the Green Ghana Initiative
The Heart of the Change: Community Engagement
In the fight against Galamsey, the most powerful force may not come from policies or programs—but from the people themselves.
Across Ghana, local communities—once victims of environmental loss and health crises—are rising as protectors of the very land that sustains them. Their voices, often overlooked, are now driving change from the ground up.
In towns and villages near illegal mining sites, community watchdog groups are forming. These volunteers patrol local forests and rivers, report illegal activity, and work with local authorities to protect what’s left of their environment. It’s not without risk—but it is powered by deep love for their land, and a hope for the future.
Farmers are reclaiming degraded land through agroforestry, planting food crops alongside native trees to restore fertility and provide sustainable livelihoods. Women’s cooperatives are advocating for clean water access, health education, and alternative income sources that move families away from dependency on mining.
Young people, especially, are stepping into leadership roles—launching clean-up campaigns, documenting environmental destruction with smartphones, and using social media to raise awareness. In schools, students are learning about conservation, water safety, and the importance of biodiversity, becoming ambassadors for their environment at home and beyond.
Traditional leaders and faith-based organizations are also playing key roles—reviving cultural values that honor the earth, mediating local disputes over land use, and promoting peaceful collaboration.
These acts of engagement may seem small, but together they form the roots of a powerful movement—one that understands true restoration begins with the people most connected to the land.
Galamsey may have taken much, but communities are taking something back: their voice, their agency, their future.
Jennifer Opare-Boateng
The Law of the Land: Protecting Nature Through Policy
The mining industry, with all its promise of wealth, casts a long shadow over Ghana’s environment. But the law does not stand silent.
Ghana’s legal framework is built on a clear principle: mining must not come at the cost of environmental destruction. From forests to rivers, from underground reserves to community water sources, there are protections in place—if only they are followed.
Under the Forest Act of 1927 (CAP 157), any mining activity that enters forest territory must receive approval from the Forestry Commission. Likewise, miners cannot simply draw water from rivers and lakes. The Water Resources Commission Act of 1996 (Act 522) requires official clearance before mining operations can tap into Ghana’s water bodies.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a pivotal role. According to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), no one can legally exploit mineral resources without the EPA’s environmental permit and full compliance with its environmental standards.
But regulation goes even deeper.
The Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2182) sets out detailed expectations for mining operations—from planning and safety to closure and cleanup. Mine managers must ensure that every activity prioritizes human health, environmental safety, and legal compliance. Inspectors are empowered to halt operations entirely if they pose a threat to workers or nature.
Gold processing plants that use cyanide, one of the most dangerous chemicals involved in mining, are held to especially strict rules. Before operations begin, companies must assess the risks, train workers, and prepare for emergencies to avoid exposure to the public and the environment. Cyanide must be stored in secure, pollution-free conditions, with emergency services always within reach.
Even small-scale miners, often operating in more informal spaces, are not exempt. LI 2182 mandates that these miners maintain safe, environmentally sound workspaces. This includes education on occupational health, safe handling of mercury and other chemicals, and consistent monitoring for hazards.
When followed, these laws form a robust shield for Ghana’s land, rivers, and people. The problem, however, lies in noncompliance, particularly in illegal mining—or Galamsey.
Galamsey thrives not because the law is weak, but because it is ignored. These operations bypass every environmental safeguard, poisoning rivers, degrading forests, and endangering lives. The solution isn’t necessarily to ban mining altogether—but to enforce the laws we already have, and to shut down operations that defy them.
Let the advocacy shift: not against mining itself, but against impunity. Compliance is the way forward.
Silent Scales: Protecting the World’s Most Trafficked Mammal
They move quietly through the underbrush, armored in delicate, overlapping scales. They don’t roar or fight back—but they are vanishing. The White-bellied Pangolin, one of the most unique mammals in the animal kingdom, is also the most trafficked in the world.
And in Ghana, efforts to protect them are growing stronger.
Thanks to support from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, a remarkable project is unfolding—one that combines science, community action, and compassion. At the heart of this effort is a mission to survey and track pangolins, gathering the data needed to guide smarter conservation decisions and improve their chances of survival in the wild.
But it’s not just scientists doing the work. Local communities are being trained to take the lead—learning to identify pangolin tracks, monitor their movements, and report sightings. This grassroots involvement ensures that protection isn’t just a policy—it becomes a shared responsibility.
When pangolins are rescued from illegal trade, they are brought to a special place: the Pangolin Rehabilitation Centre at A Rocha Ghana’s Kyebi Office. Here, these gentle creatures are given care, healing, and a second chance—before they are reintroduced to safe, wild habitats.
Education is a powerful part of this mission, too. On World Pangolin Day, communities raise their voices for the voiceless—sharing the plight of pangolins and demanding stronger protection. Meanwhile, a new pangolin exhibit at the Museum of Science and Technology in Accra is helping thousands of visitors—young and old—discover why these animals matter and why their survival is worth fighting for.
In saving the pangolin, Ghana is not just protecting a species. It is safeguarding the delicate threads of an ecosystem—and showing the world how conservation starts at home, with hands that care and voices that rise.
Reclaiming the Land:
Proposed Ideas
By recognizing the causes and devastating impact of illegal mining, or galamsey, on our environment and ecosystems, I’ve identified some key initiatives that might help tackle this urgent issue:
Community-based Participatory Mapping
Engage local communities to map sacred groves, water sources, and culturally significant lands threatened by galamsey.
Train youth in GPS and mobile data collection to help build local conservation maps.
These maps can feed into national spatial planning tools and help empower community stewardship
Rehabilitation Suitability Model for Galamsey-Affected Areas
This would help to determine the most suitable areas for ecological restoration, reforestation, or agroforestry in former and current illegal mining sites using spatial analysis.
Key Components of the Model
1. Data Inputs
Layers such as land Use / Land Cover, Soil Type and Quality, Hydrology (rivers, wetlands), Water Resources, Existing Galamsey Sites, Protected Areas / Forest Reserves, Proximity to Roads / Settlements, Rainfall / Climate Zones would be incredibly useful
Criteria and Weights (Suitability Factors)
GIS Processing Steps (ArcGIS)
Output Maps: Suitability Heatmap (color-coded), Top 10 Priority Zones for Restoration (labeled or symbolized), Interactive map layer for planners
Creating a model like this would help:
Government and NGOs prioritize investment in degraded zones,
Support grant proposals with data-driven site selection,
Empower local communities with maps of where restoration can begin.
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Public awareness and Advocacy: Empowering Change through Education
One of the most powerful tools in the fight against galamsey is knowledge. Raising public awareness about the environmental, health, and socio-economic consequences of illegal mining is essential for lasting change.
This conservation approach involves:
Community outreach programs that educate citizens—especially in mining-prone regions—on the dangers of galamsey.
Legal literacy drives to inform people about the laws governing mining in Ghana, including the Environmental Protection Act, Water Resources Commission Act, and Minerals and Mining Regulations.
Empowering youth and local leaders to become advocates and watchdogs in their own communities.
By bringing the law and environmental impact into the public conversation, we can shift behaviors, discourage participation in illegal mining, and inspire collective responsibility toward protecting Ghana’s natural heritage.
Strengthened Policy Enforcement
Advocate for better coordination among regulatory agencies like EPA, Minerals Commission, and Forestry Commission.
Use technology and community reports to support stricter enforcement of mining and environmental laws.
Local Environmental Stewardship Groups
These groups would be made up of community members—youth, elders, farmers, teachers—trained to monitor illegal mining activity, report environmental damage, and lead restoration efforts like tree planting, clean-ups, and education campaigns.
Conclusion:
A Future In Our Hands
In the silence left by machines, the land begins to whisper again.
Where once there was only destruction, now there is movement—of hope. In places where the trees have fallen, hands are planting seeds. In rivers once dark with chemicals, fish are returning. The people—the very ones who called me into being—are beginning to speak a new name: Restoration.
I, Galamsey, stand at a crossroads.
One path leads deeper into the earth, into ruin—where greed and neglect strip away life. The other? It rises toward renewal—a future nurtured by action, care, and collective will.
This story is not only about damage done— It’s about the power to rebuild, to reclaim, to restore. It’s a call to what can be.
Special thanks to Extern, National Geographic Society, and The Nature Conservancy for their invaluable support, insight, and resources that made this story map possible. A big thank you to Arghadeep Das, Kristhia Lastra and Satya Yagnambhat Agarwal who were supportive throughout my work. Your dedication to conservation and environmental storytelling helped bring this vision to life.
This StoryMap was created as a project for the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy’s Community Conservation, Data Visualization, and Mapping program through Extern Inc. This is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
It is a non-commercial, non-promotional work based on independent research conducted solely by a student researcher within a given short span of weeks . As such, some information may not meet professional standards of accuracy, nor does it represent expert environmental advice. It is not a scientific or research paper, so please interpret the findings with this context in mind.
Lastly, this StoryMap is not intended as a criticism of the government, local community, or specific individual but rather to present observations and research based on collected data. Please consider this context when reviewing the findings.
