Socialist Movement Warns of Environmental Collapse in Ghana Due to Illegal Mining

Socialist Movement Highlights Environmental Catastrophe

The Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) has voiced grave concerns regarding the escalating environmental degradation in the country, attributing it to illegal mining activities, locally termed 'galamsey.' During its second Delegates Congress, the SMG warned that these activities, occurring under the John Mahama administration, are causing an 'environmental collapse' and could lead to widespread water scarcity.

The Pervasive Threat of Galamsey

Illegal small-scale gold mining, or 'galamsey,' has become a significant national crisis in Ghana. The term, derived from 'gather them and sell,' originally referred to artisanal miners sifting gold from tailings but has evolved to include more destructive, industrialized methods involving heavy machinery. This illicit practice is widespread, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands of individuals, including foreign nationals, are involved, and up to 3 million Ghanaians rely on it for their livelihoods. By 2025, galamsey is reported to account for over 30% of Ghana's gold production.

Devastating Environmental and Health Impacts

The environmental consequences of galamsey are profound and far-reaching:

• Water Pollution: Major rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, Oti, Offin, and Birim are heavily contaminated with toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, rendering them unsafe for consumption. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has reported alarming turbidity levels, with some sources reaching 14,000 NTU, significantly exceeding the 2,000 NTU required for adequate treatment. This has forced the GWCL to reduce water supply by as much as 75% in some areas, leading experts to warn that Ghana could be forced to import water by 2030.
• Land Degradation: Galamsey operations cause extensive deforestation, soil erosion, and the destruction of vast tracts of farmland, including vital cocoa farms. Over 34 of Ghana's 288 forest reserves have been impacted, with more than 4,726 hectares of forest land devastated.
• Health Risks: The pollution from galamsey is directly linked to a rise in chronic diseases, including kidney failure, birth defects, cancer, and heavy metal poisoning in affected communities.

Government Response and Political Debate

The John Mahama administration has faced scrutiny over its approach to combating galamsey. While President Mahama has stated his administration will not 'rush into declaring a state of emergency,' believing existing laws provide sufficient power and that such a declaration should be a 'last resort,' he has emphasized a need for broad consultation, enforcement of regulations, and investment in alternative livelihoods.

This stance has drawn criticism from various bodies. The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference (GCBC) urged President Mahama to declare a state of emergency, accusing him of focusing 'narrowly on economic gain' and not fully grasping the 'existential scale' of the crisis. Similarly, Richard Ahiagbah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) alleged that the Mahama government has 'legitimised galamsey' by relying on illegal gold for exports. Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, also accused the administration of a 'laissez-faire approach.'

Conversely, the Gallant Cadres of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have commended President Mahama's anti-galamsey measures, including the deployment of 980 military personnel to affected regions and increasing the Blue Water Guard to 2,000. They also highlighted the repossession of 9 'red-zoned' forest reserves. Additionally, Sammy Gyamfi of the NDC presented data indicating improvements in turbidity levels in some rivers between February and July 2025, attributing these to the current government's efforts, while acknowledging that more action is needed.

Calls for Urgent and Unified Action

The ongoing environmental crisis has intensified calls for more decisive action. Civil society organizations, religious groups, and prominent individuals like Dr. Sekou Nkrumah, son of Ghana's first President, have urged the government to declare a state of emergency to halt the devastating impact on the environment and water bodies. The debate continues on the most effective strategies to protect Ghana's natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for its citizens.