The Galamsey Menace in Ghana: Where is Stewardship?

In recent times, Galamsey has almost become the most popular term in the daily conversation of both concerned and unconcern citizens of Ghana. Galamsey, a term derived from the English phrase "gather them and sell," refers to illegal, small-scale gold mining activities that have plagued Ghana for decades. Though Ghana is known for its rich mineral resources, particularly gold, the unregulated mining practices associated with Galamsey have raised significant concerns about environmental degradation, human health, and economic sustainability. The question at the heart of the issue is: Where is stewardship? This article therefore is written in the light of stewardship as a people entrusted with this beautiful country.

Stewardship, in its essence, refers to the responsible management and care of resources, whether natural, financial, or social. This is a mandate God gave to the first human, that he should take care of all of creation in Genesis 1:28, 2:15. Not just to the first humans but we see the word of God still admonishing humans to be responsible and take care of creation (Leviticus 25:23-24, Psalm 24:1-2 and Proverbs 12:10). From these mentioned scriptures one gets the sense of God having an interest in His creation and has willed it to humans. Willing it to humans does not take Him out of it but its care and maintenance is in trust of humans. That also mean that humans will account to him one day for how they handled this property called creation He handed over to them. In fact, the text in Proverbs raises a very important matter, that a righteous man cares about the welfare of his animals. Is it not a shame that, in the case of Ghana even the welfare of humans is not been cared for talk less about animals. Think about the number people who have died due to mercury and Cyanide pollution of water bodies! What about the number of children born deformed due to same chemicals? The least one could talk about the fishes, crocodiles, turtles and other species that have died due to this wicked phenomenon of Galamsey all in the name of making money. Biodiversity is lost and several population species lost forever and may take decades to restore that is even if the right conservational disciplines are enforced which I doubt. Will God not hold this nation accountable for these atrocities?

In the context of Ghana’s gold mining industry, stewardship is not only a matter of profit but of balance, thus balancing economic growth with environmental protection and ensuring that natural resources benefit both current and future generations. This is the crux of the matter we face in Ghana today. What happens to this country in the next 100years if things continue the way they are today? What future awaits the next generation if the Lord tarries? These questions must engage the thoughts of all concerned citizens of Ghana and especially the clergy, NGOs and all well meaning Ghanaians. The future is bleak if things continue in this direction, this does not make one a prophet of doom as one needs no prophetic eyes to see and say this.

The Rise of Galamsey

Illegal mining in Ghana has existed in various forms since colonial times, but it has escalated in recent decades. Factors such as poverty, high unemployment rates, and the lure of wealth from gold have driven thousands of individuals, especially the youth of which many of them from rural areas into the informal mining sector. In the absence of strong regulation, what began as a relatively small-scale operation has now turned into a full-blown crisis. Which now poses a great threat to the Ghanaian people and the future of the nation especially future generation in diverse ways.

Galamsey operations often involve rudimentary tools like shovels, pickaxes, and crude machinery. Though they can provide short-term wealth for miners, these operations are poorly regulated, and their environmental and social impacts are dire. The absence of oversight allows for reckless exploitation of the land, deforestation, water pollution, and the use of hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide.

Environmental Impact

The environmental consequences of Galamsey are perhaps the most alarming aspect of the phenomenon in Ghana today and is a source of worry. Ghana’s forests, which play a vital role in the country’s ecosystem and contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change, are being rapidly destroyed by illegal mining. The clearing of forests for mining activities not only contributes to habitat loss but also accelerates soil erosion, which in turn affects agricultural productivity. The effects on rivers and water bodies are equally worrying. Illegal miners often divert streams and rivers to extract gold, polluting the water with toxic chemicals. In many cases, water sources are contaminated with mercury, rendering the water undrinkable for local communities and threatening aquatic life. As it stands only God knows how much aquatic life the nation has lost through Galamsey. Without care Ghana may have to import clean water from other countries which will be deadly tragedy as one wonders how many of the population of Ghana can import water from foreign countries?

One of the most tragic ironies of the Galamsey industry is its adverse effects on the very resources that fuel it. While the gold mines may offer the promise of wealth, they simultaneously degrade the environment that sustains life. The lack of proper reclamation practices which is a key component of responsible mining leaves behind barren lands. This further undermines the livelihoods of people dependent on agriculture and natural resources. The sad reality is that, no matter how much money one amasses, you can not survive by feeding on the money stored in your room but you can survive on the cassava, plantain, corn and cocoyam among others without money. This then calls for all well-meaning Ghanaians to rise up and fight devoid of tribalism and politicization the two devils of modern Ghanaian society.

The Social Consequences

Beyond the environmental destruction, Galamsey brings with it a host of social challenges. Children are often employed in illegal mining activities, with devastating consequences on their development, their education and well-being. Many miners also face serious health risks due to the exposure to toxic substances, such as mercury poisoning and respiratory problems caused by the inhalation of dust and fumes.

The practice is also a cause of violent conflicts, as illegal miners encroach on lands claimed by legitimate mining operations or local communities. Disputes over land rights, mining concessions, and resource access are common, leading to clashes that further destabilize communities. A mention could be said of the proliferation of small arms and drugs among other social vices.

Notwithstanding abuse of child rights as children are employed to engage in mining with accompanying abuses and conflicts, the phenomenon is a threat to the human resource and man power base of the country. This comes on the backdrop of unnumbered loss of lives on mining cites due to collapse of mining pits among other accidents. The question is how many of such deaths are recorded and who takes responsibility for such deaths? Only God knows the number of talented and potential human capital that have been swallowed in mining sites without traces. Countless young men and women as well as other adults have been lost to families through Galamsey without traces leaving certain families in devastation and pain forever.

In addition to the personal and communal toll, Galamsey exacerbates the challenges faced by the country’s formal mining industry. Large-scale, licensed mining companies often struggle with illegal mining encroaching on their lands, creating tensions and reducing the productivity of their operations. This on its own is a huge challenge as it raises questions of legitimacy and who should pay royalties and what percentage should even be paid and to whom should such be paid to by licensed mining companies? Because of the mystery and allegations of some chief’s involvement or sanction political figures among others to engage in illegal mining in Ghana.

Government Response and Accountability

Over the years, successive Ghanaian governments have made efforts to combat illegal mining, often with mixed results. In 2017, the government launched a crackdown on Galamsey, which had so much noise from government and joy to all well-meaning Ghanaians as it promised results. The operation saw the government, deploying the military and police to stop illegal mining activities in some locations in the country. The government also announced the temporary suspension of small-scale mining licenses, with the aim of re-regulating the sector and ensuring better oversight. In addition, there were attempts to improve the capacity of the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor and enforce mining laws.

Despite these efforts, illegal mining continues to thrive as allegations of state actors who should crack the whip are found directly involved in the very act. It does look like shooting one’s own self from the foot there by defeating the purpose. In the view of this writer, several factors contribute to the persistence of Galamsey in Ghana, including corruption, weak enforcement of mining regulations due to lack of the political will, and the lack of viable alternatives for rural communities. Local authorities, often complicit in the illegal activities, may turn a blind eye or even actively support Galamsey miners, motivated by financial gain or political pressure. The allure of immediate wealth continues to overshadow the long-term consequences, both for the individuals involved and for the country as a whole. This should not be the case if the Ghanaian people will be stewards of God’s resources bestowed on us for responsible use.

The Role of Stewardship in Addressing Galamsey

For this paper, Stewardship is not just the responsibility of the government but of every Ghanaian, from citizens to businesses and to political leaders. A commitment to responsible mining practices requires a fundamental shift in how resources are valued and used. The government must do more than simply enforce laws; it must invest in education, sustainable livelihoods, and alternative development models for affected communities. Underneath, Galamsey to the ordinary young Ghanaian in Galamsey is the cry of survival in the midst of harsh economic conditions. This in any way does not justify illegal mining as the consequences are even dire.

Furthermore, mining companies, both large and small must lead by example in adopting environmentally sustainable practices, such as land reclamation and water management, and in adhering to international standards. The introduction of better technology, which is more efficient and less harmful to the environment, could also help mitigate the impact of mining activities. This must be as a matter of fact be seen from the lenses of stewardship bearing in mind that, there is yet another generation to come. We are not going to be the only and last Ghanaians to live here. In this writer’s opinion, if nothing is done now to arrest this situation the next generation will curse us even before we face God to account to Him. This surely will happen if indeed there is anything God. And convincedly there is God. Since you do not know how you were created surely suggests that you have a source from which you came from and you will return there to account. This sojourn on earth is only for a short moment and its like we are on a journey and transiting to another city eternal. Yes, Ghanaians will account for the usage of Gods creation, someday.

The media and civil society organizations also have a critical role to play. Public awareness campaigns can help shift public perceptions about the dangers of illegal mining and galvanize support for more sustainable practices. By framing the issue as one of national responsibility and future stewardship, it becomes a collective challenge that requires coordinated action. Unfortunately, the whistle blowers themselves have their hands soiled and the watchman himself is caught in the midst of the goodies. Who then blows the whistle and who then watches over the watchman? The sad reality of the Galamsey menace in Ghana today. But the voice of stewardship says a new a leaf must be turned and it must be done urgently without delay to salvage the future of this country. The country is sinking deeper into a ditch as far as Galamsey is concerned. We cannot afford to allow the children and the innocent ones to pay for the sins of the fathers in years to come.

Conclusion

The continued destruction of Ghana's natural resources through Galamsey calls into question the stewardship of the nation’s future. The tragedy of illegal mining lies not only in its immediate consequences but in its potential to rob future generations of their right to enjoy a healthy environment and access to natural wealth. The quest for gold, while undeniably a part of Ghana’s history and economy, must be balanced with the broader responsibility to protect the country’s environment and people.

At the heart of this issue is stewardship thus, the ethical responsibility to manage resources in a way that benefits not just the current generation but also future ones. Without genuine stewardship, Ghana’s gold could become a curse rather than a blessing, leaving behind a legacy of environmental destruction and social instability. The question is no longer what can be done? but how do we act with urgency? This action must come with foresight, wisdom, and a commitment to sustainability in the light of stewardship and responsibility devoid of political or tribal affiliation. In the end, the stewardship of Ghana’s resources requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. This must involve the government, businesses, civil society, and the public. Only through collective responsibility can the scourge of Galamsey be eradicated, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for all Ghanaians. This is imperative and the time to act is now! I will end by leaving you with this ancient quote from Hillel the Elder, a 1^st century scholar, for your own reflection. “If not now, then when? If not us then who? And if not here then where?”

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