Escalating Climate Change Effects Through GALAMSEY 

The story of the Travellers

The current Galamsey situation in Ghana is akin to a group of people travelling by sea. One of them had a box filled with gold intended for sale on the other side of the ocean. When a storm threatened the ship, the captain advised throwing overboard any heavy luggage to save the ship and their lives. However, the owner of the gold insisted that the box of gold could not be discarded due to its value. At that critical moment, the priority must be to save the lives of everyone aboard, including the gold owner. Failing to do so could lead to losing the entire crew, the ship, and the gold owner. Sadly, the gold owner was a man of power and influence. No one dared to discard his gold box, leading to the shipwreck that killed all of them.

The real problem in this short made-up story is the man of power and influence. As a country, we must be careful how we over-respect men and women of power and influence because they can cause the whole country harm when we fail to stop them when they are wrong.

There is nothing wrong with standing up for what is right, regardless of who is involved in wrongdoing. However, choosing to remain silent out of respect, fear, or to keep a job should be considered an act punishable by law, as these are the individuals who truly destroy a country.

A climate Change Activist

As a self-proclaimed climate change activist, my voice may not be as loud as those of politicians or experts. Still, I speak as a concerned Ghanaian – both a parent and an advocate for climate action – striving to address the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as Galamsey. The activities of Galmsayers are increasing climate change impacts in Ghana, and it’s about time we come together as a nation, devoid of political affiliation, to find the right solutions to save our country.

Efforts to Reduce Climate Change Impacts

While the President, ministers, NGOs, and climate change professionals are calling for increased awareness and lifestyle changes among Ghanaians and African youth to address climate change, a small group of individuals called the Galamseyers is actively undermining these efforts.

To effectively combat the menace of Galamsey, we need to pay critical attention to several key factors. It’s not uncommon to adopt a thief’s perspective to apprehend one, as it’s often seen in detective films. Similarly, we need to think like Galamseyers if we want to put an end to their unconscionable operations.

Who Does the Galamseyer Think He or She Is?

The term “Galamsey” originates from the English phrase “gather them and sell,” which describes the activities of communities mining for gold in rivers and other potential locations. The practice is not new, but has quickly changed during the last 8 years which saw most of the rivers in Galamsey areas turn brown.

Galamseyers often believe they are genuinely working to support their families and meet the needs of their loved ones, much like teachers educate students, doctors care for patients, and politicians seek to gain power for the benefit of their constituents, families, and the nation.

Galamseyers do not see themselves as different from others striving to earn a living to support their families. The real challenge we face is explaining to Galamseyers that, unlike other professions, which aim to build a better future, their activities contribute to the destruction of the very future others are working hard to build.

The Need for Educating Galamseyers and the Public

It is crucial to educate Galamseyers about the implications of their actions. They need to understand that teachers prepare students to become productive citizens, doctors prescribe treatments to improve health, and even politicians, despite their flaws, contribute to the development of the nation. Just as there are both good and bad individuals in every profession, the same cannot be said about Galamseyers. The activities of the Galamseyers destroy everything today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Although Galamseyers work to provide for their families, their activities jeopardise the well-being of everyone in the country, including their loved ones. It is essential to convey to them that our opposition is not directed at them as individuals; rather, we oppose the activities that threaten the sustainability of the only country we have.

Furthermore, it is vital to help the general public recognise the destructive nature of Galamsey through proper education to enable them to understand why we must all watch out and report any activity of Galamsey in our environment.

The Destruction of the Environment and Soil

Soil consists of layers, and nature has positioned nutrients within the soil’s structure to support the growth of food crops. However, the activities of Galamseyers not only destroy the soil structure but also allow dangerous chemicals such as lead, mercury, cyanide, sulfuric acid, and others to infiltrate into the soil. These toxic substances in the soil penetrate crops which are grown in contaminated areas. Consuming such crops leads to the accumulation of these harmful chemicals in the human body, resulting in diseases that affect the illegal miners, the people they aim to support, and everyone who consumes such crops. This tells us of the importance of soil. Soil is not only essential for life; it holds all forms of life together. The food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe—all are connected to the soil. Consequently, the destruction of soil and plants equates to the destruction of life itself.

The Contamination of Water Bodies

Water bodies are similarly being poisoned by the activities of Galamseyers. While the degradation of soil may seem less critical, it becomes dire when water bodies are contaminated to the point that they can no longer sustain aquatic life or are unsafe for human use.

The actions of Galamseyers often leave lead, mercury, and other hazardous chemicals in the water, making it unsafe for drinking, cooking, and even bathing.

Water is as essential as air; the only difference is that the body requires one rapidly for survival while the other is not needed right away. We often take water for granted until we find ourselves without access to clean drinking water for several days. At that moment, we realize that water is just as vital as air.

Health Risks for Galamsey Workers

Galamseyers are exposed to harmful chemicals daily, leading to diseases that can slowly claim their lives. They need to be educated in their local languages on the health risks associated with exposure to toxic mining chemicals. In May 2024, the International Labour Organization published a research paper detailing chemical exposure in the mining industry. The paper identified a range of toxic substances, including mercury, cyanide, and sulfuric acid, which are often used without appropriate protective gears.

It is perplexing to think that anyone would willingly dig their own grave while they are still healthy and strong, particularly when they have other choices available. If Galamsey is the only choice Galamseyers have, then, the government needs to provide these young people with other choices.

Creating Sustainable Jobs for Youth in Galamsey Areas

The government should assist the youth involved in Galamsey to redirect their energy toward more productive and less harmful pursuits.

Finding long-lasting solutions to the Galamsey issue without intimidating the youth should be the government’s top priority. The following suggestions come to mind:

Step 1 – Registration

It is essential to register all the youth in the Galamsey regions to create credible data on their numbers. This will enable careful planning to support them in channelling their energy into other lucrative job opportunities of their choice. Registration can be conducted within a week at designated locations. The announcement of the registration date should be communicated through various channels, including the radio and the chief’s gong beater. The registration process must also allow participants to indicate their interests in learning specific skills, such as carpentry, masonry, sewing, soap making, home economics, farming, painting, and more.

Step 2 – Mobilising Funds for the Project

The government should use the collected data to mobilize funds for the projects. The success of these initiatives will depend on their practicality. It is unnecessary to confine learners in a classroom setting, teaching them complex algorithms or mathematical formulas that are irrelevant to their skill development. The funds must account for the resource’s learners will need for practical training. Additionally, providing learners with a survival income at the end of each month will be beneficial. Although it may seem unconventional to pay individuals while they learn, the government must understand that these are family men who have bills to pay, so a little incentive at the end of the month, during the time of acquiring necessary skills, will make the project sustainable and participants willing to stay focused to the end. This investment is essential to address the pressing issue of Galamsey.

Step 3 – Setting Up Project Infrastructure or the use of an Existing One if there are any

The government should award contracts to companies capable of delivering the necessary infrastructure in Galamsey communities, ensuring that projects are completed within the agreed timeframe.

Step 4 – Registration and Commencement of Training 

Trainees will be encouraged to register for the various courses based on their expressed interests during the data collection process. Teachers should be recruited and assigned to these Galamsey areas to provide instruction within the newly constructed facilities.

Step 5 – Security of Teachers and Infrastructure

Given the history of Galamsey operations, it is prudent to establish a security post staffed with, at least, two police officers on standby at all times.

Step 6 – State of Emergency

I have heard various individuals and organisations urging the government to declare a state of emergency. However, I believe such a declaration should only occur after all other efforts have been exhausted, particularly after providing opportunities for Galamsey workers to transition into alternative livelihoods.

The government can consider declaring a state of emergency if the Galamsey workers return to the mining sites despite all the measures that have been implemented. In that case, the government must communicate a clear message stating that anyone caught engaging in Galamsey activities will face arrest, prosecution, and appropriate sentencing.

These measures are crucial for the government of Ghana to implement if it genuinely aims to eradicate illegal mining and protect the community.