Ghana is taking significant steps to combat illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” in response to increasing public concern over its environmental impact.
President Nana Akufo-Addo announced these measures on Wednesday, which include the deployment of additional military personnel and naval boats to patrol polluted river bodies, ensuring the immediate cessation of all mining activities both legal and illegal near these areas.
The government has also established four dedicated courts to expedite legal action against illegal mining operations. This crackdown is particularly critical for the cacao industry, one of Ghana’s key economic sectors, which has been increasingly threatened by illegal mining activities.
Recent protests erupted in Accra as citizens voiced their frustration over the government’s handling of the galamsey crisis, leading to the detention of 54 activists. The public outcry over these arrests, seen as a suppression of freedom of expression, prompted further demonstrations demanding the release of the activists and an end to illegal mining practices.
On Wednesday, most detainees were released, except for Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who is accused of leading the protests.
In a bid to address the ongoing unrest, Ghana’s trade unions had initially called for strike action on October 10 but decided to suspend this after discussions with President Akufo-Addo.
Ghana, home to 33 million people, is navigating the aftermath of a financial crisis that led to a default on its external debt in 2022.
The country is gradually stabilizing its economy, aided by a $3 billion relief package from the International Monetary Fund.
