UNOWAS Ghana Chapter Calls for Urgent Roadmap to Address Galamsey Crisis

The Ghana Chapter of the UNOWAS Working Group on Women, Youth in Peace and Security (WG-WYPS) has raised alarm over the looming water security crisis caused by illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’

In a strongly worded statement, the group urged the government to take immediate action to safeguard water resources, which are being severely impacted by these activities.

Ms. Theodora Williams Anti, the group’s Convenor, highlighted the dire situation in a statement, emphasizing that water, a basic necessity of life, is under serious threat.

“Water scarcity or contamination affects all people, but women and children are disproportionately impacted,” she said. “We are deeply concerned about the recent reports and images that vividly illustrate the environmental destruction galamsey is causing.”

A 2024 report titled “Ecological Study of Galamsey Activities in Ghana and Their Physiological Toxicity,” published in the Journal of Environmental Toxicology Research, underscores the high levels of contamination in water bodies across districts such as Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Bodi, and Juabeso.

The report identifies major rivers, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, as being heavily polluted by illegal mining activities. This pollution has devastating effects on local communities, particularly women and children, and is causing irreversible damage to Ghana’s ecosystems.

The report further condemns the widespread use of hazardous substances like mercury and cyanide in artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM).

The latest Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7) corroborates these concerns, noting that 71% of rural households face significant water quality issues, including foul odor, discoloration, and the presence of suspended materials.

The WG-WYPS also stressed the broader implications of the galamsey menace, linking it to threats against peace and security in the country.

“Illegal mining not only endangers our environment but also undermines the United Nations Security Council Resolutions that govern Ghana’s commitment to peace, security, and community resilience,” Ms. Williams Anti stated.

She pointed out that the degradation of land and water resources is disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, especially women and children, compounding existing challenges posed by climate change.

Call to Action

The WG-WYPS has issued a call to the President of Ghana, relevant ministries, and government agencies, demanding the immediate release of a comprehensive roadmap to tackle the water security challenges arising from galamsey operations. The group urged Parliament and decision-makers to take the following actions:

Strengthen governance and enforcement: Implement and enforce laws and frameworks at both local and international levels to protect water resources and combat illegal mining.
Promote inclusive decision-making: Empower women and youth by ensuring their participation in decision-making processes related to resource management and conflict resolution.
Invest in sustainable livelihoods: Support sustainable agricultural practices, clean energy initiatives, and other economic opportunities that empower communities while protecting the environment.
Enhance health and education services: Improve access to health services in areas affected by water pollution, and incorporate environmental stewardship and resilience into educational programs.
Address root causes of resource conflicts: Promote community dialogue and collaboration, while supporting peacebuilding initiatives that prioritize the needs and voices of women and youth.

The group called on citizens, particularly women and young people, to hold accountable politicians, businesses, and others contributing to the galamsey crisis.