The Devastating Impact of Illegal Minning on Ghana’s Rivers

Ghana a country rich in natural resources, is facing a growing environmental crisis due to illegal mining activity. The proliferation of galamsey, a local term for illegal small-scale mining, has led to widespread pollution of rivers, posing significant threats to the environment, human health, and the economy.

THE PROBLEM
Illegal mining in Ghana is a long-standing issue, with thousands of artisanal miners operating without proper licenses or regulations. These miners use harmful methods, including the use of mercury and cyanide, to extract gold and other minerals from rivers and streams. The resulting pollution has several consequences, including:

• Water pollution: chemicals and heavy materials contaminate rivers, making water undrinkable and harmful to aquatic life. Example is the Pra River, River Densu, Birim River etc.
• Deforestation and degradation: mining activities lead to widespread clearing of forests and fertile lands.
• Health risks: exposure to toxic chemicals increases the risk of diseases, including mercury poisoning and respiratory problems

AFFECTED RIVERS
Severa major rivers in Ghana have been severely impacted by illegal mining, including:

• Pra River: River Pra is the easternmost and the largest of the three principal rivers that drain the area south of the Volta divide. Rising from the Kwahu Plateau near the Mpraeso and flows southward for 240 km and it empties into the Gulf of Guinea east of Takoradi. Once a pristine water body, the Pra River is now heavily polluted, affecting communities that rely on it for fishing and drinking
• Birim River: The Birim River, a significant source of water for irrigation and drinking, has been contaminated with high eves of mercury and cyanide
• Tano River: The Tano River, a vital source of water for communities in the Western Region of Ghana has been polluted by illegal mining activities
• River Ankobra: The Ankobra River is primarily situated in Ghana, rising north-east of Wiawso. It flows about 190 km south to the Gulf of Guinea and its entire course is in south Ghana

According to Ghana Water Company, over 60% of water bodies are polluted due to illegal mining and according to UN Environment, 80% of artisanal miners use mercury, a toxic substance to extract gold. 100,000 people are directly affected by river pollution in Ghana according to World Health Organization WHO and according to Ghana Chamber of Mines, 2.3 billion is lost annually due to environmental degradation from illegal mining

In recent interview, TV presenter Bera Mundi highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining on River Pra, a major water body in Ghana. Some vital information from the interview incudes:

• River Pra is now brown and murky due to pollution from illegal mining activities.
• Illegal mining activities have increased in recent years, despite government efforts to curb them
• The river’s water level has decreased significantly, affecting irrigation and drinkingwater supply
• Communities along the riverbank has reported health issues, including skin diseases and respiratory problems
• Fishermen have seen significant decline in fish catch, affecting their livelihoods.
• The river’s ecosystem is under threat, with many aquatic species facing extinction.

Caleb Kudah a journalist with Citi TV, conducted an undercover investigation into illegal mining activities in Ghana and his findings revealed that;

• Widespread use of mercury and cyanide in mining activities, contaminating rives and posing serious health risks.
• Corruption and ack of enforcement have contributed to the persistence of illegal mining
• Artisanal miners are often forced to operate illegally due to ack of alternate livelihoods SOLUTION

To address the issue of illegal mining and river pollution, the government and stakeholders must take decisive action. Illegal mining has become a pervasive issue in Ghana, posing heath problems, economic, and the environment

1. Strengthen laws and enforcement: To effectively address this challenge, it is essential to strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms. This essay will discuss the importance of reviewing and amending existing laws, increasing penalties, enhancing enforcement capacity.

Firstly, reviewing and amending existing laws is crucial to ensure they are effective, clear, and aligned with international best practices. Ghana’s mining laws have been criticized for being outdated and inadequate, allowing illegal mining activities to thrive. By updating these laws, the government can plug loopholes and ensure that mining activities are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Secondly, increasing penalties for galamsey is necessary to deter offenders. The current penalties are often lenient, failing to serve as a sufficient deterrent. Stricter penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of equipment, will help to discourage illegal mining activities.

Thirdly, enhancing enforcement capacity is vital to ensure that the laws are effectively implemented. Laws enforcement agencies need training, resources, and equipment to monitor and enforce mining laws. By building their capacity, the government can increase their chances of detecting and preventing galamsey activities. The operation vanguard initiative which was launched in 2017, a military-led taskforce to combat illegal mining. The operation has led to the arrest of thousands of illegal miners and the confiscation of equipment is one of the initiatives that was launched and it needs to be revived again, Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners- GNASSM is an organization that represents the interest of small-scale miners. The association has worked with the government to develop sustainable mining practices and provide training for its members, Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] regulations, Community Mining Program, Minerals Commission’s Small-Scale Mining Framework and Multilateral Mining Integrated Project [MMIP].

These examples demonstrate efforts by the government, civil society, and private sector to address illegal mining in Ghana. While there is still more work to be done, these initiatives

show promise in promoting sustainable mining practices and reducing negative impacts of illegal mining.

2. Alternative livelihoods: Alternate livelihoods refer to sustainable income-generating activities that provide viable options for individuals engaged in illegal mining. These initiatives aim to reduce the economic dependence on galamsey and promote environmentally friendly practices.

The Ghanaian government has launched several alternative livelihood programs;

1. Multilateral Mining Integrated Project [MMIP]: launched in 2017, MMIP provides training and support for artisanal small-scale miners to adopt sustainable mining practices
2. Alternative Livelihood Program [ALP]: Implemented by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, ALP offers training in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills
3. Youth in Afforestation Program [YIAP]: Engages youth in afforestation and reforestation activities

According to the Ministry of Land and Natura Resources:

1. Over 10,00 individuals have benefited from ALP since its inception
2. MMIP has trained over 5,000 artisanal small-scale miners
3. GNASSM has registered over 1,500 small-scale miners
4. YIAP has engaged over 20,000 youth in afforestation activities A study by the International Growth Center [2019] found that:
   1. 70% of participants in the alternative livelihood Programs reported increased income
   2. 60% reported improved livelihoods
   3. 50% reported reduced involvement in galamsey

Vocational training: In the Ashanti Region, 500 youth received vocational training, leading to employment opportunities.

Small-scale Mining: In the Central Region, 200 small-scale miners adopted sustainable practices, increasing income by 25%

Challenges

1. Limited funding
2. Inadequate infrastructure
3. Corruption
4. Community Resistance

Alternative livelihoods offer a promising solution to illegal mining in Ghana. Government initiatives have demonstrated positive impacts, improved livelihoods and reducing dependence on galamsey. However, sustained efforts are necessary to ensure long-term success

Recommendations

1. Increase funding for alternative livelihood programs
2. Strengthen community participation
3. Enhance vocational training and entrepreneurship support
4. Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness

By supporting alternative livelihoods, Ghana can reduce illegal mining, promote sustainable development, and protect its environment and natura resources

3. Community engagement: Community engagement recognizes that local communities are critical stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining. By involving communities in decision- making processes, educating them on the risks and consequences of galamsey, and providing alternative livelihoods, the government can:
   1. Build trust and cooperation
   2. Foster ownership and responsibility
   3. Reduce conflict and resistance

4. The Ghanaian government has launched several community engagement initiatives:

1. Community Mining Program CMP: Introduced in 2017, CMP allows communities to manage small-scale mining operations, ensuring environmental sustainability.
2. Multilateral Mining Integrated Project MMIP: launched in 2017, MMIP engages communities in mining governance, environmental protection and alternative livelihoods.
3. National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce: Established in 2020, the taskforce conducts community outreach, education and enforcement.
4. On June 15, 2022, the Ghanaian government launched the “National Anti-Galamsey

Campaign” to intensify community engagement and enforcement.

5. In April 2022, the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources reported 30% decrease in galamsey activities nationwide

According to the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources in 2022

• 70% of communities in galamsey-prone areas have established community mining committees
• 50% reduction in galamsey activities reported in communities engaged through CMP
• 20,000 community members have benefited from MMIP’s alternative livelihood programs

Examples of successful community engagement

• Prestea-Huni Valley District: Community-led mining initiatives have reduced galamsey by 40% since 2018
• Wassa Akropong: Community engagement and alternative livelihoods programs havel ed to a 25% decrease in galamsey activities

Challenges
Despite the progress, changes persist:

1. Limited resources
2. Corruption
3. Community resistance
4. Lack of technical expertise

Community engagement has proven effective in combating illegal mining in Ghana. Government initiatives have demonstrated significant reductions in galamsey activities, improved community cooperation, and enhanced environmental protection

Recommendations

1. Increase funding for community engagement initiatives
2. Strengthen community capacity building and technical expertise.
3. Enhance collaboration between government agencies and community groups
4. Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness

By prioritizing community engagement, Ghana can sustainably address illegal mining, protect its environment, and promote socio-economic development

CONCLUSION
The impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s rivers is a pressing environmental and health concern. It is essential for government, civil societies, and individuals to work together to address this issue. By enforcing regulations, providing alternate livelihoods, rehabilitating degraded areas, and promoting education and awareness, we can protect Ghana’s rivers and ensure sustainable future for generations to come