The Galamsey Menace: The Akufo-Addo Government’s Betrayal
The illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) crisis in Ghana has spiraled out of control, leading to devastating environmental degradation, health risks, and economic challenges. What was once a manageable issue has now become an uncontainable disaster under the watch of President Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
The situation has deteriorated so much that it is no longer just a matter of environmental concern, but a reflection of failed leadership, corruption, and a betrayal of the promises made by the ruling government.
In 2017, President Akufo-Addo boldly declared that he was putting his presidency on the line to combat illegal mining. Yet, seven years on, the situation is worse than ever, and there is little evidence of a genuine commitment to ending galamsey. The involvement of top NPP figures in illegal mining, such as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, only underscores how entrenched this menace has become within the government itself. This begs the question: how can a government that is complicit in such activities effectively combat galamsey?
President Akufo-Addo’s initial promise to end galamsey was met with hope by many Ghanaians. However, that hope quickly faded as evidence emerged that the government’s so-called fight against galamsey was more of a staged performance than a genuine effort. Nana Addo and Dr. Bawumia have not only failed to curb illegal mining but have also reportedly sanctioned it by passing laws that allowed mining in forest reserves—further contributing to environmental destruction.
The failure of leadership is glaring, and the consequences are dire. Major rivers across the Western, Ashanti, Eastern, and Central regions have become so polluted that their water is now milky and colored, worse than a mixture of Milo, milk, and condensed milk. The Ghana Water Company has been forced to use higher concentrations of chemicals such as aluminum sulfate, chlorine, and lime in water treatment. This increased chemical use poses serious health risks to the population, as excessive exposure to these chemicals can lead to conditions such as kidney damage, cancer, and respiratory issues.
Illegal miners use hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide in the gold extraction process, both of which are highly toxic to human health and the environment. Mercury, when released into rivers and streams, bioaccumulates in fish, posing a serious risk to communities that rely on these water bodies for drinking and fishing. Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish can lead to neurological disorders, kidney problems, and developmental defects in children.
Cyanide, another toxic chemical used by illegal miners, contaminates water sources and soil, causing irreversible damage to ecosystems. Prolonged exposure to cyanide can cause breathing difficulties, heart problems, and even death. The cumulative effect of these chemicals has not only poisoned water bodies but also destroyed farmlands, contributing to food insecurity and increased health problems.
The government’s failure to act on the galamsey menace became even more evident when Professor Frimpong Boateng, former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, revealed in his damning report the involvement of top government officials in illegal mining activities. This report, which implicated high-ranking members of the NPP, was conveniently shelved by President Akufo-Addo, casting serious doubt on the president’s willingness to fight the crisis. Only after Professor Frimpong
Boateng made the report public did it come to light, resulting in his eventual resignation—a clear indication of how whistleblowers are silenced in a system rife with corruption.
The public must be reminded that this is not a matter of partisan equalization between the NPP and the opposition NDC. While illegal mining existed in previous administrations, no government has done as much damage as the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia regime. Their direct involvement and the shielding of their cronies from prosecution make them not just complicit but active enablers of galamsey.
The galamsey menace is directly linked to the increasing health challenges faced by many Ghanaians. The rise in chronic diseases such as cancer, respiratory disorders, and kidney failure is partly attributed to the contaminated water and food resulting from illegal mining activities. Communities living near mining sites are at risk of developing long-term health conditions, and the government’s inability to enforce regulations has left these populations vulnerable.
Beyond human health, the environmental damage is catastrophic. Illegal mining is causing widespread deforestation, which disrupts the water cycle, leading to irregular rainfall patterns. Reduced rainfall directly impacts agriculture, resulting in poor crop yields and potential food shortages. As forests are cleared, the land’s ability to absorb and store water diminishes, leading to increased droughts, which will further worsen Ghana’s food security.
Deforestation and the pollution of water bodies also contribute to broader climate change challenges. Trees play a crucial role in the carbon cycle, and their removal exacerbates global warming. As illegal miners destroy forest reserves for short-term profit, the long-term consequences will be devastating for Ghana. Poor rainfall, drought, and food shortages are not hypothetical; they are looming realities that will affect every Ghanaian if the galamsey menace continues unchecked.
The water cycle, which relies on the evaporation of water from forests, rivers, and lakes, is being severely disrupted. Without trees to release moisture into the air and replenish groundwater sources, Ghana faces an impending climate disaster. The time for talk is over; the time for action is now.
President Akufo-Addo must resign for his failure to honor his pledge to combat galamsey. His leadership, along with that of Dr. Bawumia, has not only failed Ghanaians but has actively contributed to the destruction of the environment, health crises, and the future of the country. Ghana cannot afford more inaction. The government must be held accountable for its role in this ecological disaster, and immediate steps must be taken to reverse the damage before it is too late.
By: Kofi Agbeko Leh
Political Activist
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