Hundreds protest against the surge in Ghana's destructive unregulated gold mining
Hundreds gather to protest against the detrimental effects of Ghana's informal gold mining surge.
TroibNews 
On Friday, hundreds of individuals participated in a peaceful protest in Ghana's capital, Accra, voicing their concerns over unlicensed gold mining and urging authorities to take action against this hazardous practice that harms the environment.
The illegal small-scale gold mining, referred to as "galamsey" in Ghana, has seen a resurgence this year, coinciding with a nearly 30-percent increase in global gold prices.
Data from Ghana's mining sector regulator indicates that small-scale mines produced 1.2 million ounces of gold in the first seven months of this year, surpassing the total output for all of 2023.
This surge in galamsey activities, which negatively affects miners' health, contaminates waterways, devastates forests and cocoa farms, and contributes to crime, has led to intensified calls and demonstrations advocating for stricter regulations. As Ghana prepares for its general election on December 7, the issue has become a pivotal topic in the electoral landscape.
The recent protest included an "environmental prayer walk" that involved delivering a petition for a ban on informal mining to the president's office. This event came on the heels of labor unions' plans for a nationwide strike against galamsey, which were partially suspended after the government made encouraging commitments, as reported by local media citing the organizers.
The current government is facing pressure to appeal to voters who will choose the next president in this West African nation known for its gold and cocoa production. Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo has been dealing with the country's most severe economic crisis in decades, compounded by a substantial debt overhaul that has significantly affected people's livelihoods.
Approximately 40 percent of Ghana's total gold production originates from small-scale mines, in contrast to those managed by multinational corporations. Notably, around 70-80 percent of these small-scale operations are unlicensed.
Cover: Members of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra during the environmental prayer walk against galamsey , Accra, Ghana, October 11, 2024. /CFP
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
The illegal small-scale gold mining, referred to as "galamsey" in Ghana, has seen a resurgence this year, coinciding with a nearly 30-percent increase in global gold prices.
Data from Ghana's mining sector regulator indicates that small-scale mines produced 1.2 million ounces of gold in the first seven months of this year, surpassing the total output for all of 2023.
This surge in galamsey activities, which negatively affects miners' health, contaminates waterways, devastates forests and cocoa farms, and contributes to crime, has led to intensified calls and demonstrations advocating for stricter regulations. As Ghana prepares for its general election on December 7, the issue has become a pivotal topic in the electoral landscape.
The recent protest included an "environmental prayer walk" that involved delivering a petition for a ban on informal mining to the president's office. This event came on the heels of labor unions' plans for a nationwide strike against galamsey, which were partially suspended after the government made encouraging commitments, as reported by local media citing the organizers.
The current government is facing pressure to appeal to voters who will choose the next president in this West African nation known for its gold and cocoa production. Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo has been dealing with the country's most severe economic crisis in decades, compounded by a substantial debt overhaul that has significantly affected people's livelihoods.
Approximately 40 percent of Ghana's total gold production originates from small-scale mines, in contrast to those managed by multinational corporations. Notably, around 70-80 percent of these small-scale operations are unlicensed.
Cover: Members of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra during the environmental prayer walk against galamsey , Accra, Ghana, October 11, 2024. /CFP
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
