In a significant turn of events, Ghana is set to witness a three-day protest against illegal mining activities, a pressing issue that has stirred public outcry over environmental degradation, and the controversial detention of 54 activists. These protests, set to commence on Thursday, will culminate in a vigil on Saturday. Organized by various civil society groups, including the Democracy Hub, the protests will push for government action on illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” and the immediate release of the detained activists.

Illegal mining has long plagued Ghana, a West African country rich in gold and cocoa. However, the issue has grown more contentious as the nation approaches its December 2024 presidential elections. With illegal mining wreaking havoc on natural resources, particularly rivers and farmland, the environmental damage has compounded the country’s already dire economic situation. The protests come at a critical time, reflecting the public’s frustration over the government’s handling of the illicit mining activities and the deep-rooted environmental and health risks they pose.

The Arrests and Public Outcry

The protests were initially triggered by the arrest of 54 activists from the Democracy Hub pressure group on September 22 and 23, 2024. The activists had been demonstrating against illegal mining by blocking roads and burning tires, actions that led to their arrest. The decision to remand them in custody for two weeks caused an uproar among the public and political leaders alike. Opposition figures, including John Mahama, leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a candidate in the upcoming elections, condemned the arrests as heavy-handed and an infringement on citizens’ rights. Mahama described the government’s response as “draconian,” vowing that such measures would not silence the voices of activists and the people.

Mahama’s involvement has added a political dimension to the protests, but organizers stress that the movement transcends political affiliations. Joshua Buernortey Boye-Doe, one of the protest leaders, emphasized that the protests are about safeguarding Ghana’s future, particularly its vital natural resources. “Water is a very essential resource, so we need to protect it,” Boye-Doe told AFP. He also underscored that the movement was not politically motivated, despite the proximity to the elections, asserting, “This is for our future generations.”

The Environmental and Health Impacts of Illegal Mining

Illegal mining has become one of the most critical environmental issues facing Ghana. The practice, primarily driven by small-scale miners without government oversight, has led to the contamination of major rivers and water bodies through the use of toxic chemicals, particularly mercury. This has not only threatened the country’s water supply but has also posed severe health risks to local communities.

Ghana’s landscape, once lush with forests and fertile farmland, has seen vast areas destroyed by illegal mining. The devastation is particularly severe in the country’s rural areas, where agricultural land is frequently sold off to mining outfits, forcing farmers off their lands. As a result, Ghana, known globally for its cocoa production, has witnessed a decline in agricultural output, with cocoa farmers increasingly succumbing to the economic lure of illegal mining.

These environmental impacts are compounded by the broader consequences on public health. The chemicals used in illegal mining operations, especially mercury, are known to contaminate water sources, leading to long-term health problems for communities living nearby. Mercury exposure can cause neurological disorders, kidney failure, and other severe health conditions, making illegal mining a public health crisis in addition to an environmental one.

The Economic Drivers Behind Galamsey

Ghana’s economic struggles have fueled the proliferation of illegal mining operations. Since 2022, the country has faced a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by inflation, currency depreciation, and soaring debt levels. In 2023, Ghana defaulted on its foreign debt, further plunging the nation into financial turmoil. This economic instability has pushed many rural Ghanaians, particularly farmers, to sell their land to illegal mining operations in a bid to make ends meet.

Cocoa farmers, once the backbone of Ghana’s economy, have been hit especially hard. With global cocoa prices fluctuating and local production costs rising, many farmers have turned to illegal mining as a more lucrative, though environmentally destructive, alternative. The decision to sell off agricultural land to mining outfits has not only depleted Ghana’s natural resources but has also created a dangerous dependency on illicit mining activities, entrenching the practice further in rural economies.

The rise of galamsey has also undermined legal mining operations in the country. Licensed mining companies, which are subject to environmental regulations and taxes, struggle to compete with illegal miners who operate outside the bounds of the law. This has created a dual economy within Ghana’s mining sector, where legal operators adhere to stricter standards, while illegal miners evade oversight, often with the tacit support of corrupt local officials.

Government’s Response and the Road Ahead

The Ghanaian government has faced increasing criticism for its failure to curb illegal mining activities. While President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration has launched several high-profile campaigns to crack down on galamsey, these efforts have largely fallen short. In 2017, the government initiated Operation Vanguard, a military-led task force aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks. Despite initial successes, the operation quickly became mired in controversy, with accusations of corruption and collusion between officials and illegal miners.

In 2021, the government announced a renewed commitment to fighting illegal mining, including the introduction of a new mining law that imposes harsher penalties on offenders. However, these measures have done little to stem the tide of illegal mining, which remains rampant across the country. The continued environmental degradation and public outcry suggest that the government’s approach has not been effective in addressing the root causes of the problem.

As the 2024 presidential elections approach, the issue of illegal mining is likely to play a central role in political debates. Both President Akufo-Addo and his main challenger, John Mahama, have pledged to tackle the problem, but their proposed solutions differ significantly. Akufo-Addo has emphasized stricter enforcement of existing laws and increased military intervention, while Mahama has called for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the economic drivers behind illegal mining.

The Role of Civil Society and International Involvement

Civil society groups like the Democracy Hub have played a crucial role in bringing attention to the issue of illegal mining. Through protests, public campaigns, and legal challenges, these groups have put pressure on the government to take more decisive action. The upcoming three-day protest is the latest example of how civil society is mobilizing to demand accountability and environmental justice.

International organizations have also weighed in on the issue, particularly in the context of global efforts to combat climate change. Illegal mining, with its devastating environmental impacts, undermines Ghana’s ability to meet its climate goals under the Paris Agreement. Some international donors have called for greater transparency and accountability in Ghana’s mining sector, while others have offered technical and financial assistance to help the country transition to more sustainable mining practices.

Conclusion

Ghana’s battle against illegal mining is far from over, and the upcoming protests are a clear indication of the public’s growing frustration with the government’s handling of the issue. As the country prepares for its December 2024 presidential elections, the fight against galamsey will likely remain at the forefront of political discourse. The outcome of these protests, and the broader movement to protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources, will have lasting implications not only for the country’s future but also for its standing on the global stage.

With the involvement of civil society, political leaders, and international stakeholders, Ghana has an opportunity to chart a new course in its approach to illegal mining—one that balances economic development with environmental sustainability and social justice. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but with concerted effort and political will, there is hope for a future where Ghana’s natural resources are protected for generations to come.

photo source: Google

By; Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

2nd October, 2024