From Nkrumah's Dream To A Galamsey Nightmare: Who will save Ghana?
JHNews || Illegal mining, or galamsey, continues to devastate Ghana’s environment despite repeated government pledges to end it. Nine months into the new administration, citizens say action has stalled, accusing officials of protecting politically connected miners. Health and climate experts warn of severe consequences, while protesters on Founder’s Day (Sept 22, 2025) demand a state of emergency.
Sowah
Illegal mining, known locally as galamsey has plagued Ghana for decades, destroying forests, polluting water bodies, and eroding the environment. Despite repeated efforts by successive governments, the practice continues to escalate.
During the last election, the current administration pledged to eradicate galamsey once and for all. Yet, after nine months in power, many citizens say the urgency has faded. Rivers continue to turn murky, forests are being stripped, and the environmental toll grows daily.
Health professionals, climate experts, and academics warn of dire consequences if illegal mining is not curbed. Doctors predict a looming public health crisis, while environmental scientists caution that unchecked pollution will affect generations.
The government has held consultations with both local and international experts to explore strategies for ending illegal mining. However, many Ghanaians believe these efforts lack urgency and argue that the situation warrants an immediate state of emergency. Citizens insist that perpetrators regardless of political affiliation must face strict punishment.
Some protesters allege that political interests are impeding decisive action. They claim that individuals who financed political campaigns are themselves involved in illegal mining. Both past and present administrations, they argue, have ties to the illicit trade.
On September 22, 2025, Ghana’s Founders’ Day, which honors the nation’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah citizens staged a massive protest to demand stronger action.
Speaking to JoyNews, one protester said:
“Mr. President, I don’t blame you for not acting on galamsey. Your brother Ibrahim Mahama controls the biggest gold mine.”
Another demonstrator accused leading figures of hypocrisy:
“Today Sammy Gyamfi is buying galamsey gold. These days you can see he has added weight, no stress to talk about galamsey. If you ask me for evidence, ask them if they know the difference between illegal and legal gold. The president himself has admitted they can’t tell.”
Sammy Gyamfi, a key figure in the current administration, had previously criticized the Akufo-Addo government for allegedly granting licenses that fueled galamsey. Now, critics say, his silence raises questions about the government’s true commitment to the fight.
Protesters argue that the laws of Ghana must be applied without fear or favor, and that political connections should not shield offenders. They call on the government to honor its promise to eradicate galamsey once and for all.
As citizens marched on Founders’ Day, many invoked the spirit of Dr. Nkrumah, urging today’s leaders to act boldly to protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
