Ghana, long known as the Gold Coast, has abundant mineral resources that have played a central role in its history and economy. Gold, in particular, remains one of the country’s largest exports.
However, the recent surge in illegal small-scale mining (not so small) locally referred to as galamsey has brought about a severe environmental crisis.
As an environmental advocate with a chemistry background, I aim to highlight the often overlooked ecological and public health consequences of galamsey and advocate for sustainable and scientifically informed policy interventions.
The Socioeconomic Roots of Galamsey.
Galamsey is said to be driven by poverty (I say greed), youth unemployment, and limited access to formal mining permits (a camouflage of opaque and corrupt-driven procedure). For many in rural communities, it represents an opportunity for survival. But this economic activity, when unregulated, comes at a steep environmental cost. One may say it is an existential threat.
Though artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) contributes to employment, it is frequently informal and environmentally damaging due to a lack of enforcement and oversight (Hilson, 2017).
The Chemistry of Contamination: Mercury (Hg), Cyanide (CN), Cadmium (Cd), and Beyond.
Illegal mining is primarily a chemical threat to Ghana’s ecosystems. Several toxic substances used or released during extraction severely impact soil, water, air, and health. Here we look at the three most common:
1. Mercury.
Used to extract gold from ore, mercury forms an amalgam with the metal, which is later heated to release the mercury vapour. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that contaminates water bodies and
bioaccumulates in fish (Tschakert & Singha, 2007). Chronic exposure leads to neurological and
developmental disorders, especially in children.
Key Facts about Mercury:
Toxicity: Mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and lungs, and is especially dangerous to pregnant women and children.
Forms: It exists in elemental, inorganic, and organic forms. The organic form (methylmercury) is the most toxic and bioaccumulates in fish and humans.
Exposure: Common through: Inhalation of vapours (e.g. from small-scale gold mining), consumption of contaminated fish, and use of skin-lightening creams or cosmetics containing mercury.
In Ghana, Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is a major source of mercury pollution. Miners use mercury to extract gold from ore, often with minimal protection. Mercury use in ASGM contributes to air, water, and soil contamination, affecting communities and ecosystems, particularly around mining towns.
2. Cyanide.
Cyanide leaching is another extraction method used, especially in illicit operations. It is lethal in small doses and contaminates water systems, killing aquatic life and posing severe risks to human health (Hilson & Pardie, 2006).
Key Facts about Cyanide:
Toxicity: Cyanide interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen, leading to cellular suffocation. High exposure can cause death within minutes.
Forms: Comes in gaseous (hydrogen cyanide), liquid, or solid forms (sodium cyanide, potassium cyanide).
Exposure Risks: Inhalation or ingestion, contaminated water near mining sites and poorly managed tailings and waste ponds.
In Ghana: Large-scale gold mining operations use sodium cyanide to separate gold from ore. If waste is not properly treated, cyanide spills can contaminate rivers, affecting drinking water, aquatic life, and local livelihoods. A notable case was the 2001 cyanide spill in the Asutifi District, which poisoned the River Agrumatue, affecting several communities.
Environmental Impact: Fish kills, soil degradation, and long-term ecosystem damage, such as a threat to food security and community health.
3. Cadmium.
Cadmium, often released when sulfide ores are disturbed, is absorbed by crops and aquatic organisms. Prolonged exposure is linked to kidney damage, bone demineralisation, and cancers (Jarup & Akesson, 2009). Galamsey pits near agricultural zones may introduce cadmium into food crops, posing long-term public health risks.
Key Facts about Cadmium (Cd):
Sources: Mining and smelting (especially zinc, lead, and copper), Batteries (nickel-cadmium or Ni-Cd batteries), pigments, plastics, and some fertilisers, E-waste and industrial waste.
Health Effects: Highly toxic to the kidneys, lungs, and bones. Carcinogenic (linked to cancer).
Can cause Itai-Itai disease, a painful bone condition from chronic exposure. And absorbed through inhalation and contaminated food and or water.
Environmental Impact: Persistent in soil and water. Affects plant growth and enters the food chain. Can contaminate crops like rice, vegetables, and cocoa (important for Ghana).
In Ghana: Cadmium pollution may arise from e-waste processing (e.g., in Agbogbloshie), industrial activities, and mining. Improper disposal of batteries and electronics increases cadmium exposure risk, especially for informal recyclers.
4. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD).
When sulfide minerals are exposed to oxygen and water, sulfuric acid is produced, which leaches heavy metals into groundwater and surface water. This toxic drainage causes long-term ecological harm (Younger, 2001).
What is Acid Mine Drainage?
Acid Mine Drainage occurs when sulfide minerals (like pyrite – FeS₂) in exposed rock surfaces react with oxygen and water to produce sulfuric acid. This acidic water then leaches heavy metals like iron, cadmium, arsenic, and lead into the environment.
Environmental Impacts: contaminates rivers, streams, and groundwater. Kills aquatic life due to low pH and heavy metals. Destroys soil health, affecting agriculture. And leads to long-term pollution that can persist for decades even after mining ends.
In Ghana, AMD is a growing concern in abandoned and active gold mining areas such as Obuasi, Tarkwa, and Prestea. Poor waste rock and tailings management increases the risk.
Communities near polluted streams often face unsafe water, crop failure, and health risks.
Why It Matters?!
AMD links directly to greed-driven, poorly regulated mining, causing irreversible environmental harm and affecting rural livelihoods.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVASTATION.
1. Deforestation and Land Degradation.
Galamsey operations often begin with large-scale forest clearing. Ghana lost approximately 101,000 hectares of tree cover in 2022 alone (Global Forest Watch, 2023). This loss accelerates climate change, increases erosion, and threatens biodiversity.
2. Water Pollution and Siltation.
The Pra, Ankobra, and Offin rivers are very critical for drinking water and agriculture-are polluted with heavy metals and mining sediment. Siltation disrupts aquatic habitats and reduces water quality (Agyemang et al., 2012).
3. Biodiversity Loss.
Forest and freshwater ecosystems host numerous endemic and endangered species. Galamsey-induced habitat destruction has led to the decline of several amphibian, bird, and fish populations (Mensah et al., 2015).
HUMAN AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS.
Communities near galamsey zones are exposed to multiple health risks:
Heavy metal poisoning, especially from mercury and cadmium, can result in organ damage and cancer.
Vector-borne diseases increase due to stagnant pits that serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
Contaminated crops and fish from polluted soil and water threaten food security and health
(Asante et al., 2007).
POLITICAL INACTION AND THE NEED FOR POLICY REFORM.
Galamsey flourishes in a context of weak governance, corruption, and inconsistent law enforcement. Efforts like Operation Vanguard and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) have shown mixed results due to political interference and insufficient community engagement (Ayee et al., 2022).
Policy Recommendations:
1. Strengthen Environmental Regulation: Enhance EPA and Minerals Commission enforcement with technological tools like drones and satellite monitoring.
2. Formalise and Support Small-Scale Miners: Streamline the licensing process and provide training on sustainable, mercury-free practices.
3. Invest in Green Technologies: Promote alternatives like gravity concentration and magnet-based separation to replace mercury and cyanide.
4. Community Engagement: Empower local watchdog groups and run environmental education campaigns targeting youth.
5. Ecological Restoration: Fund reforestation and phytoremediation programs to clean up
contaminated land.
A SUSTAINABLE VISION FOR GHANA.
Ghana’s natural wealth is not just gold, but more importantly, the rivers, forests, air, and people.
These must be protected. Sustainable mining practices are not only scientifically viable, they are
politically necessary.
By aligning economic policies with environmental stewardship, Ghana can achieve a future where prosperity does not come at the expense of public health or ecological stability.
CONCLUSION: BEYOND GOLD.
The cost of galamsey is far greater than the gold it produces. It erodes the very foundation of sustainable development. As a nation, we must go beyond gold and protect our true wealth: the
land, the water, and the people.
With strong governance, scientific integrity, and political will, we can restore our environment, protect our health, and create inclusive prosperity for future generations.
Ablakwa represents Mahama at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass
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