Galamsey areas in Ghana continue to raise serious concerns as environmental degradation deepens across affected communities. As of September 15, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has not declared a state of emergency on the matter. However, with mounting environmental degradation and community risks, galamsey remains under close national and political scrutiny. Public attention remains firmly on the crisis, and with this menace threatening lives, farmlands, and water bodies, it is one of the most pressing issues facing the nation today.
Government Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
Illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, has long challenged authorities in Ghana. The government has relied on law enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable development initiatives to tackle the menace. Calls for granting additional powers to authorities continue to grow. This approach, however, also raises questions about civil liberties and local economic activities.
The issue goes beyond legality and touches on livelihoods. Illegal mining should therefore not be taken lightly because it’s destroying lives, homes, lands, water bodies, and the environment at large.
Fatalities and Property Loss
Several tragedies have occurred in galamsey areas across the country. While some date as far back as 2009, such as the Dompoase deadly mine collapse, many have also occurred recently. Even more widespread is this menace, such that in February 2025, a journalist was attacked while documenting the impact of these illegal mining activities in the Breman-Adomanya forest, Wassa Amenfi West District.
Though exact figures remain uncertain, a 2021 study recorded 622 deaths from mine collapses and related accidents between 2007 and July 2020. One of the most devastating incidents was the 2022 Bogoso explosion, which killed 13 people and injured 180 others.
Reports in 2024 revealed that galamsey had destroyed over 100,000 acres of farmland. This destruction has inadvertently affected cocoa farming, a vital sector of Ghana’s economy.
Environmental and Health Impact
The destruction caused in galamsey areas includes arable land, forests, and polluted water bodies. The contamination of rivers and streams with toxic chemicals also threatens agriculture and public health. These risks place communities at high risk of food insecurity and disease.
Galamsey also impacts Ghana’s long-term economic outlook. The loss of farmland and water resources undermines development and sustainability. Have we asked ourselves as a country if we are safe when it comes to illegal mining? Will stronger measures finally address the menace?
Calls for Emergency Powers
The question of declaring a state of emergency remains divisive. While others are saying a state of emergency is expedient (by virtue of the Emergency Powers Act 1994; Act 472), others are calling for more time in dealing with the menace.
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has revealed a new government strategy that will ensure a permanent military deployment in all areas threatened by illegal mining. You would think this would help, but some Ghanaians have cautioned that the deployment of the military to combat illegal mining in some areas could cripple the entire local economy. So, what to do?
Despite disagreements, one fact is evident: Galamsey areas are worsening Ghana’s environmental and social crises. But on the sidelines, as Ghanaians, we can only but maintain cautious optimism that indeed, our hope as a nation is not lost.
