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Ghana’s Silent Disaster: The Urgent Need To End Galamsey

Table of Contents

Illegal small-scale gold mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” has become a severe public health and environmental crisis in regions like Ghana [7]

Fagariba, C.J., Sumani, J.B.B. and Mohammed, A.S. (2024) ‘Artisanal and small-scale gold mining impact on soil and agriculture: evidence from upper denkyira east municipality, ghana’, European Journal of Environment and Earth Sciences, 5(3), pp. 12–20. Available at: https://doi.org/10.24018/ejgeo.2024.5.3.443.

View
. This perilous activity devastates the environment and poses profound risks to the health and livelihoods of those involved. The repercussions are far-reaching, affecting vulnerable populations and undermining community well-being.

While Galamsey may provide short-term economic benefits, it also poses several health and environmental stability problems. The destruction of agricultural fields and the poisoning of water sources are just the start. These ecological effects cause food instability and an increased reliance on harmful processed foods, aggravating health problems and jeopardising the quality of life in impacted populations. As we investigate the numerous health dangers and socioeconomic repercussions of galamsey, it is important to recognise the urgent need for intervention and long-term solutions.

Direct Health Risks from Galamsey Activities

GALAMSEY IS HAVING SERIOUS EFFECTS ON OUR ENVIRONMENT, AND COMMUNITIES
Source: Sustineri Attorneys
  1. Exposure to Toxic Substances: Hazardous chemicals used in galamsey operations include mercury, cyanide, arsenic, and lead. These chemicals can contaminate local water supplies and soil, posing severe health risks. Mercury exposure, for example, can induce neurological diseases, cognitive deficiencies, and developmental delays in children, who are especially sensitive because of their underdeveloped immune systems [3]

    Azumah, F.D., Baah, E. and Nachinaab, J.O. (2021) ‘Causes and effects of illegal gold mining (Galamsey) activities on school dropout and residents at the tutuka central circuit in obuasi municipality in ashanti region, ghana’, Journal of Education, 201(3), pp. 162–173. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022057420905109.

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    .
  2. Respiratory and Kidney Problems: Poorly ventilated mining conditions expose workers to dust and toxic fumes, contributing to respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung-related illnesses. Prolonged exposure to heavy metals can also lead to significant kidney damage [9]

    Koomson, J.A. et al. (2023) ‘Detoxification of lead and arsenic from galamsey polluted water using nano synthesized iron oxide from cupola furnace slag’, Materials Chemistry and Physics, 308, p. 128301. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2023.128301.

    View
    .
  3. Accidents and Injuries: Due to the informal nature of galamsey, safety laws are sometimes overlooked. Miners are at greater risk of accidents due to unstable ground conditions, malfunctioning equipment, and a lack of protective clothing [18]

    Zhang, J. et al. (2020) ‘Root causes of coal mine accidents: Characteristics of safety culture deficiencies based on accident statistics’, Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 136, pp. 78–91. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2020.01.024.

    View
    . Falls, cave-ins, and equipment-related accidents are all common causes of injury that can result in long-term disability or death [2]

    Ajith, M.M., Ghosh, A.K. and Jansz, J. (2021) ‘A mixed-method investigations of work, government and social factors associated with severe injuries in artisanal and small-scale mining (Asm) operations’, Safety Science, 138, p. 105244. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105244.

    View
  4. Waterborne Diseases: Mining activities can contaminate water bodies, raising the danger of waterborne infections in communities that rely on these sources of drinking water. The presence of heavy metals and microorganisms in contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and other major health issues [9]

    Koomson, J.A. et al. (2023) ‘Detoxification of lead and arsenic from galamsey polluted water using nano synthesized iron oxide from cupola furnace slag’, Materials Chemistry and Physics, 308, p. 128301. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2023.128301.

    View
    .
  5. Mental Health Impacts: The stress and volatility connected with galamsey can cause substantial mental health problems for miners and their families. Anxiety, despair, and substance misuse are all exacerbated by harsh working circumstances and economic uncertainty. Church advocacy initiatives in Ghana have highlighted the critical need for psychological help and guidance [14]

    Patterson, A.S. (2018) ‘When to speak? Church advocacy on galamsey and mental health in ghana’, The Review of Faith & International Affairs, 16(1), pp. 37–50. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/15570274.2018.1433589.

    View
    .
  6. Nutritional Deficiencies: Land degradation caused by galamsey affects local food production, resulting in shortages of critical crops. This worsens malnutrition, especially among vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women, worsening their general health and development [16]

    Nyantakyi-Frimpong, H., Christian, A. K., Ganle, J., & Aryeetey, R. (2023) ‘Now we’ve all turned to eating processed foods”: A photovoice study of the food and nutrition security implications of “galamsey” in Ghana’, African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 23(116), pp. 22200–22220. Available at: https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.116.22855.

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    .
  7. Impact on Child Development: Children who live near galamsey sites are at risk of developmental problems owing to environmental contamination. Heavy metal exposure has been associated with delayed language acquisition, poor speech development, and congenital abnormalities, all of which have a substantial impact on people’s quality of life [11]

    Miotto, E. et al. (2024) ‘Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children living near hazardous waste sites: a systematic review’, International Journal of Environmental Health Research, pp. 1–14. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2024.2384963.

    View
    .

Socio-Economic Consequences of Galamsey

Source: Modern Ghana
  1. Livelihood Challenges: Despite the health dangers and income volatility connected with galamsey, many people, particularly women, use it to survive. This reliance on the informal sector feeds a cycle of poverty and bad health, hurting overall community well-being [10]

    Mensah, J.N. and Bukari, F.I.M. (2024) ‘Females’ engagement in galamsey and its effects on household livelihoods in ghana: a case of manso ayirebikrom in amansie south district’, Ghana Journal of Development Studies, 21(1), pp. 62–78. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4314/gjds.v21i1.4.

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    .
  2. Increase in Crime Rates: The illegal nature of galamsey activities contributes to increased crime rates within affected areas. Reports indicate unreported murders linked to conflicts between miners over resources or money, including attacks on both local and foreign miners. This rise in violence creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within communities, undermining social cohesion and trust among residents [17]

    Yeboah, R. (2023) ‘Galamsey fight in ghana: an analysis of failure of government interventions since 1989’, E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, pp. 455–472. Available at: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20234417.

    View
  3. Economic Instability: While some may argue that galamsey provides economic opportunities for local communities, its unsustainable nature often leads to long-term economic instability. The destruction of agricultural land affects food security and livelihoods for many families dependent on farming [7]

    Fagariba, C.J., Sumani, J.B.B. and Mohammed, A.S. (2024) ‘Artisanal and small-scale gold mining impact on soil and agriculture: evidence from upper denkyira east municipality, ghana’, European Journal of Environment and Earth Sciences, 5(3), pp. 12–20. Available at: https://doi.org/10.24018/ejgeo.2024.5.3.443.

    View
    .

The Devastating Toll of Galamsey on Ghana’s Ecosystems

The Devastating Toll of Galamsey on Ghana’s Ecosystems​
Source: Ghana web
  1. Deforestation and Soil Erosion: Extensive pits for mining waste further degrade the land in regions like Tarkwa, disrupting ecological functions like biodiversity maintenance and carbon sequestration. In order to access mineral deposits, galamsey operations require extensive removal of vegetation cover, which causes deforestation and soil erosion. The loss of topsoil renders the land infertile and unproductive for agriculture [6]

    Ewusi, A. et al. (2017) ‘Mining and metal pollution: assessment of water quality in the tarkwa mining area’, Ghana Mining Journal, 17(2), pp. 17–31. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4314/gm.v17i2.4.

    View
    .
  2. Noise and Air Pollution: Heavy machinery and explosions during mining activities contribute significantly to noise pollution. This noise might cause hearing damage among workers and disturb local wildlife [4]

    Courierov, N.N. and Chebotarev, A.G. (2022) ‘Health risks for mining machine operators caused by exposure to noise and vibration’, Mining Industry Journal (Gornay Promishlennost), (1/2022), pp. 138–143. Available at: https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2022-1-138-143.

    View
    . Furthermore, the discharge of chemical gasses and dust particles degrades air quality, with pollution linked to respiratory problems in adjacent areas  [8]

    Jovanović, I. et al. (2024) ‘Environmental pollution with gaseous pollutants in the operation of mining machines at the open pit’, Mining and Metallurgy Engineering Bor, (1), pp. 45–50. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5937/mmeb2401045J.

    View
  3. While galamsey offers immediate economic benefits, its profound and long-lasting health and environmental consequences underscore the need for urgent intervention. Sustainable practices and comprehensive policies are crucial to mitigating these impacts and ensuring a healthier, more secure future for affected communities [7]

    Fagariba, C.J., Sumani, J.B.B. and Mohammed, A.S. (2024) ‘Artisanal and small-scale gold mining impact on soil and agriculture: evidence from upper denkyira east municipality, ghana’, European Journal of Environment and Earth Sciences, 5(3), pp. 12–20. Available at: https://doi.org/10.24018/ejgeo.2024.5.3.443.

    View
    .

Call to Action

We urge policymakers, community leaders, and individuals to unite in tackling the galamsey crisis. Support initiatives that promote sustainable mining practices, advocate for stronger regulations, and invest in community health and environmental conservation. To effectively address the health impacts of galamsey, comprehensive measures are essential. These should integrate health and livelihood needs, focusing on improving healthcare access, enforcing environmental regulations, and fostering alternative livelihoods to mitigate the adverse effects of illegal mining [15]

Samuel, A., Oladejo, N.K. and Adetunde, I.A. (2012) ‘The impact and effect of illegal mining (Galamsey) towards the socio-economic development of mining communities: a case study of kenyasi in the brong ahafo region adjei samuel1’, International Journal of Modern Social Sciences, 1(1), pp. 38–55. Available at: https://eprints.lmu.edu.ng/1376/ (Accessed: 13 October 2024).

View
. Together, we can make a significant difference and secure a healthier future.

  1. Adiyahba, F. (2015) ‘The effects of illegal small-scale gold mining (“Galamsey”) activities on the water quality of the akantansu and sintim rivers in the asutifi north district of the brong ahafo region of ghana’. Available at: https://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/6867 (Accessed: 13 October 2024).View
  2. Ajith, M.M., Ghosh, A.K. and Jansz, J. (2021) ‘A mixed-method investigations of work, government and social factors associated with severe injuries in artisanal and small-scale mining (Asm) operations’, Safety Science, 138, p. 105244. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105244.View
  3. Azumah, F.D., Baah, E. and Nachinaab, J.O. (2021) ‘Causes and effects of illegal gold mining (Galamsey) activities on school dropout and residents at the tutuka central circuit in obuasi municipality in ashanti region, ghana’, Journal of Education, 201(3), pp. 162–173. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022057420905109.View
  4. Courierov, N.N. and Chebotarev, A.G. (2022) ‘Health risks for mining machine operators caused by exposure to noise and vibration’, Mining Industry Journal (Gornay Promishlennost), (1/2022), pp. 138–143. Available at: https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2022-1-138-143.View
  5. Emmanuel, A.Y., Jerry, C.S. and Dzigbodi, D.A. (2018) ‘Review of environmental and health impacts of mining in ghana’, Journal of Health and Pollution, 8(17), pp. 43–52. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5696/2156-9614-8.17.43.View
  6. Ewusi, A. et al. (2017) ‘Mining and metal pollution: assessment of water quality in the tarkwa mining area’, Ghana Mining Journal, 17(2), pp. 17–31. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4314/gm.v17i2.4.View
  7. Fagariba, C.J., Sumani, J.B.B. and Mohammed, A.S. (2024) ‘Artisanal and small-scale gold mining impact on soil and agriculture: evidence from upper denkyira east municipality, ghana’, European Journal of Environment and Earth Sciences, 5(3), pp. 12–20. Available at: https://doi.org/10.24018/ejgeo.2024.5.3.443.View
  8. Jovanović, I. et al. (2024) ‘Environmental pollution with gaseous pollutants in the operation of mining machines at the open pit’, Mining and Metallurgy Engineering Bor, (1), pp. 45–50. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5937/mmeb2401045J.View
  9. Koomson, J.A. et al. (2023) ‘Detoxification of lead and arsenic from galamsey polluted water using nano synthesized iron oxide from cupola furnace slag’, Materials Chemistry and Physics, 308, p. 128301. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2023.128301.View
  10. Mensah, J.N. and Bukari, F.I.M. (2024) ‘Females’ engagement in galamsey and its effects on household livelihoods in ghana: a case of manso ayirebikrom in amansie south district’, Ghana Journal of Development Studies, 21(1), pp. 62–78. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4314/gjds.v21i1.4.View
  11. Miotto, E. et al. (2024) ‘Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children living near hazardous waste sites: a systematic review’, International Journal of Environmental Health Research, pp. 1–14. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2024.2384963.View
  12. Obeng, E.A. et al. (2019) ‘Impact of illegal mining activities on forest ecosystem services: local communities’ attitudes and willingness to participate in restoration activities in Ghana’, Heliyon, 5(10), p. e02617. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02617.View
  13. Ofori, S.A. et al. (2024) ‘A ecological study of galamsey activities in Ghana and their physiological toxicity’, Asian Journal of Toxicology, Environmental, and Occupational Health, 2(1), pp. 53–72. Available at: https://doi.org/10.61511/ajteoh.v2i1.2024.395.View
  14. Patterson, A.S. (2018) ‘When to speak? Church advocacy on galamsey and mental health in ghana’, The Review of Faith & International Affairs, 16(1), pp. 37–50. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/15570274.2018.1433589.View
  15. Samuel, A., Oladejo, N.K. and Adetunde, I.A. (2012) ‘The impact and effect of illegal mining (Galamsey) towards the socio-economic development of mining communities: a case study of kenyasi in the brong ahafo region adjei samuel1’, International Journal of Modern Social Sciences, 1(1), pp. 38–55. Available at: https://eprints.lmu.edu.ng/1376/ (Accessed: 13 October 2024).View
  16. Nyantakyi-Frimpong, H., Christian, A. K., Ganle, J., & Aryeetey, R. (2023) ‘Now we’ve all turned to eating processed foods”: A photovoice study of the food and nutrition security implications of “galamsey” in Ghana’, African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 23(116), pp. 22200–22220. Available at: https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.116.22855.View
  17. Yeboah, R. (2023) ‘Galamsey fight in ghana: an analysis of failure of government interventions since 1989’, E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, pp. 455–472. Available at: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20234417.View
  18. Zhang, J. et al. (2020) ‘Root causes of coal mine accidents: Characteristics of safety culture deficiencies based on accident statistics’, Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 136, pp. 78–91. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2020.01.024.View
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