Ghanaians Protest Against Illegal Mining, Call for Government Action
Hundreds of Ghanaians took to the streets for a second consecutive day, urging the government to crack down on illegal mining in the country, which is Africa’s top gold producer.
Protesters carried placards demanding action to stop illegal mining, which they blame for polluting rivers and degrading soil across Ghana. A final day of demonstrations is planned for Saturday, according to a Bloomberg report.
“This is not just a crisis; it’s a fight for the soul of our nation,” said Brownson Adatsi, lead convener of the Free The Citizens Movement, during a petition reading in the capital, Accra. “Our children’s future is at stake, and we cannot stand by while our nation is destroyed by greed and negligence.”
Gold is crucial to Ghana’s economy, accounting for nearly half of the country’s exports in 2023, according to central bank data. In an effort to capture more value from its natural resources, Ghana recently launched its first gold refinery, the Royal Ghana Gold Refinery, which is capable of processing 400 kilograms of gold daily.
The refinery sources most of its raw materials from artisanal and small-scale mines, which account for roughly one-third of Ghana’s annual gold output of 4 million ounces.
While large-scale mining companies are subject to strict environmental regulations, the artisanal and small-scale mining sector is far less regulated. Authorities acknowledge that many of these smaller operations are illegal and operate without oversight.
Known locally as “galamsey,” a term derived from the phrase “gather them and sell,” illegal mining has grown with minimal accountability. Activists warn that it is causing widespread environmental destruction and straining the country’s natural resources.
SOURCE:businessinsider.com
