Hundreds of volunteers from A Rocha Ghana, a prominent conservation organization, have taken to the streets in protest, demanding urgent government action to combat the escalating problem of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
The protesters, holding placards with bold messages, spread across the capital city, urging President Nana Akufo-Addo and his government to take decisive steps in protecting the country’s water bodies and forest reserves, which have been devastated by illegal mining activities.
The demonstrators, made up of concerned citizens, environmentalists, and members of civil society, voiced their frustration with the ongoing environmental degradation caused by galamsey. They believe the government’s response has been lackluster and called for immediate and concrete actions to reverse the damage that has already been done to Ghana’s natural resources. This protest marks one of several initiatives by A Rocha Ghana, aiming to hold the government and other stakeholders accountable for their failure to curb the illegal mining that continues to threaten the country’s environmental health.
Speaking to Channel One News, Daryl Bosu, the deputy director of A Rocha Ghana, emphasized the importance of their efforts in raising awareness about the destructive impact of galamsey. He described the protest as part of a series of activities designed to put pressure on the government to act and protect the country’s vital water bodies and forest reserves from further harm.
“This morning, we are here sharing our statement for the government to stop galamsey right now,” Bosu declared. “We represent several organizations, civil society groups, and professional bodies, all demanding that the State take seriously the collective call from organized labor, the media coalition, and religious bodies asking for an end to all mining activities—both legal and illegal—within our rivers, buffer zones, and forest reserves.”
Illegal mining has long been a controversial issue in Ghana, as it not only destroys natural landscapes but also contaminates water sources with harmful chemicals like mercury and cyanide. These pollutants pose serious health risks to local communities who depend on rivers and streams for drinking water, fishing, and agriculture. The environmental and social consequences of galamsey have become increasingly dire, yet, according to Bosu, the response from the country’s leadership has been insufficient.
Bosu criticized the government for its perceived inaction, stating that, despite the growing devastation, leaders seem indifferent to the urgent need for intervention. He called for a state of emergency to be declared, stressing the importance of restructuring Ghana’s entire mining regime to ensure that both legal and illegal mining activities are strictly regulated and do not encroach on critical environmental zones.
“We need to clean our rivers once more and make sure that we can provide clean drinking water for the people of Ghana,” Bosu continued. “We cannot continue to behave as if this does not concern us, but, unfortunately, our leaders are sitting indifferently in their offices and watching the devastation going on in our communities.”
The protesters highlighted the far-reaching effects of galamsey, noting how it destroys ecosystems, threatens biodiversity, and jeopardizes the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk who rely on the land and water. By polluting rivers and streams, illegal mining disrupts the balance of nature, making it difficult for local communities to survive, while also causing long-term damage to the environment that could take decades to reverse.
A Rocha Ghana, along with other environmental and civil society organizations, has consistently called for stricter enforcement of mining laws and a total ban on mining activities in protected areas. While the government has launched several campaigns in the past to combat illegal mining, critics argue that these initiatives have not gone far enough, with enforcement often falling short and illegal operations continuing unchecked.
The protest also comes at a time when the international community is increasingly paying attention to environmental sustainability, particularly in regions like West Africa where illegal mining and deforestation are rampant. Conservationists warn that if the situation in Ghana is not addressed, it could have serious consequences not only for the country but for the entire region, as the degradation of ecosystems could lead to food insecurity, displacement, and increased poverty.
For many Ghanaians, the fight against galamsey is more than just an environmental issue—it is a matter of social justice and human rights. Local communities have borne the brunt of the consequences, with their health, livelihoods, and future prospects put at risk by the unchecked activities of illegal miners. In response, groups like A Rocha Ghana are demanding that the government fulfill its duty to protect both the environment and its citizens by taking a firm stance against illegal mining.
As the protest drew to a close, demonstrators vowed to continue their efforts until meaningful change is achieved. They called on the government to act swiftly and decisively, implementing policies that not only address the immediate damage caused by galamsey but also prevent future violations. Bosu and his colleagues at A Rocha Ghana made it clear that they are prepared to keep the pressure on until the country’s water bodies and forest reserves are restored to their natural state.
The movement against galamsey in Ghana is gaining momentum, with more voices joining the call for justice and environmental protection. As the government faces increasing scrutiny both domestically and internationally, the protesters hope that their message will resonate with those in power and spark the urgent action needed to save Ghana’s precious natural resources.
