‘Galamsey’ – Again, Ghanaians March Against Illegal Gold Mining

Hundreds of Ghanaians, on Friday, took to the streets of Accra in a peaceful protest against unlicensed gold mining, which destroys the environment. The practice is known as Galamsey in local parlance.

Similar protests had been held in the past weeks following the rise of illegal gold mining, which is destroying forest reserves, farmlands and rivers in various parts of the country.

Last month, over 50 activists were arrested during a peaceful demonstration against Galamsey. The country’s Labour Union and University Staff Union have declared strikes in protest against the environmentally damaging illegal gold mining.

There has reportedly been an almost 30% rise in global gold prices.

According to data from Ghana’s mining sector regulator, 1.2 million ounces of gold were produced from small-scale mines in the first seven months of this year, more than the ounces produced in 2023.

Friday’s demonstrators handed a petition for a ban on informal mining to the president’s office after a long day of what they tagged an “environmental prayer walk” 

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Oluwatobi Odeyinka

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