Illegal mining, known as galamsey, poses significant threats to Ghana’s economy, impacting cocoa production, water supplies, and food security, amidst rising global gold prices. The upcoming presidential election emphasizes the urgent need for effective regulatory measures. Candidates have promised to address this issue by improving mining regulations and transforming affected lands. The entrenchment of galamsey within political and economic frameworks complicates efforts to eradicate these practices, necessitating informed and decisive governance.
In recent times, illegal mining, referred to as “galamsey,” has escalated in Ghana, heavily impacting its economy. This surge has resulted in a significant decline in cocoa production, water supply contamination, and heightened food inflation, posing a major challenge for the incoming presidential administration. Illegal gold mining activities, primarily conducted by unlicensed operators, have proliferated amid soaring global gold prices, yet the country is not reaping the financial benefits, as much of the gold is smuggled abroad.
These illegal miners engage in hazardous operations, utilizing rudimentary pits and employing toxic chemicals like mercury and nitric acid, which they then dispose of in local waterways. The phenomenon has been driven notably by Chinese investors collaborating with local leaders, facilitating access to advanced mining equipment. As these operations encroach on agricultural land, they exacerbate the already declining cocoa yields, projected to fall nearly 40% below targets in the 2023/24 season.
Additionally, the Ghana Water Company has alerted citizens to impending water shortages attributed to the pollution generated by illegal mining, leading campaigners to advocate for stricter regulations in anticipation of the upcoming presidential election on December 7. The influence of illegal mining extends beyond the environment, as it has entrenched itself within local economies, providing substantial financial support for politicians and political parties.
Candidates Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have both committed to tackling the galamsey crisis. Bawumia proposes establishing a minerals development bank aimed at enhancing small-scale gold mining activities, while Mahama envisions the formation of a gold board for better regulation of the sector and the transformation of galamsey sites into agricultural areas.
The urgency surrounding illegal mining’s impact on Ghana’s economy cannot be overstated, particularly following recent statistics that show a production increase in illegal gold extraction. This practice poses significant threats to agriculture, especially in relation to cocoa and food security. Moreover, while the incumbent president Nana Akufo-Addo will exit office after two terms, the next leader must strategize to mitigate the ongoing economic crisis, which has been compounded by illegal mining practices.
Illegal mining in Ghana has a protracted history, with the recent surge attributed to elevated global gold prices. A considerable influence comes from unlicensed miners who operate in makeshift sites, often exploiting local resources without regulation. The cocoa sector, critical to Ghana’s economy, has suffered as farming land is compromised. Water pollution poses additional threats to public health and the environment. Addressing the conundrum of galamsey will be vital for incoming political leadership.
In conclusion, illegal mining is a pressing issue that jeopardizes Ghana’s agricultural output, particularly cocoa, while exacerbating environmental concerns and economic instability. This multifaceted challenge extends to political realms as well, where the stakes are high due to the financial benefits galamsey provides to various factions. As Ghana approaches a pivotal presidential election, the policies established by the next administration will be critical in turning the tide against illegal mining activities and fostering a sustainable economic future.
Original Source: www.semafor.com
