By Ebenezer Oppong Aboagye Real Estate Professional and Environmental Advocate
Illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—has become one of Ghana’s most devastating national challenges. Despite the numerous interventions, public campaigns, and political promises, the menace continues to ravage our environment, contaminate our water bodies, destroy farmlands, and threaten the livelihoods of millions.
This is not the time for complacency or blame games. It is time for all hands to be on deck—government agencies, the judiciary, the security services, traditional authorities, and ordinary citizens must all work objectively and fearlessly to end galamsey once and for all.
Leadership by Example
Our traditional leaders are the custodians of Ghana’s lands. They hold a sacred responsibility to protect these lands for future generations. It is therefore refreshing to witness some chiefs rising to the occasion.
One remarkable example is Nana Quasi Essiem IV, Chief of Whindo in the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipality of the Western Region. As reported by the Daily Graphic on 8th October 2025, she exercised her authority boldly by rejecting a GH₵2 million bribe from illegal miners and ordering the seizure of their earth-moving equipment. This act of integrity is exemplary and worthy of national commendation.
Similarly, the Dormaa Chief has declared Dormaa a “No-Go Area” for galamsey operators, showing that decisive leadership at the traditional level can yield tangible results. We must also remember the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who in October 2024 admonished his sub-chiefs to take action against galamsey in their territories.
Unfortunately, reports suggest that some chiefs have been compromised. To these revered traditional authorities—Nananom, this is a time to rise above personal interest. You own the land; defend it. You hold the heritage of your ancestors; protect it.
Integrity Across All Fronts
The fight against galamsey must be collective. Earlier this year, around July 2025, a soldier was honoured for rejecting a bribe at a galamsey site. His courage demonstrates the discipline and patriotism required across all levels of national service.
While some ministers and MMDCEs are showing commitment, the judiciary must also act swiftly and without bias. Galamsey-related cases must be treated with the future of Ghana’s next generation in mind. Justice must not be influenced by politics, power, or personal connections.
Investigations into individuals such as Hon. Joseph Yamin, Mr. Antwi Boasiako, and others must be conducted transparently and free from political interference. Whether in government now or in the past, anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law.
A National Emergency
Galamsey is not only an environmental problem—it is a national emergency that threatens Ghana’s health, economy, and food security. The Ghana Water Company Limited spends millions treating polluted water from rivers contaminated by illegal mining. Our farmlands are losing fertility, and children are being born with deformities caused by heavy metal poisoning.
If this continues, we may face the unthinkable—importing water and food into a country once blessed with abundance.
A Call to Action
We must not wait until it is too late. The war against galamsey demands truth, courage, and collaboration—not cosmetic measures or political talk. Every Ghanaian has a role to play.
Let us unite as a nation to reclaim our land, restore our rivers, and rebuild our future. The time for action is now.
Because if we fail to act today, tomorrow may be too late.
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