Two advocacy groups, the Water Citizens Network and Revenue Mobilisation Africa, are pressing for immediate action against the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, or “galamsey,” and corporate exploitation in Ghana. This call for change came during the Week Against Water Privatisation, where the groups condemned the destruction of key water bodies, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim rivers, which are heavily polluted by mercury and cyanide from illegal mining.
Leonard Shan Quartey, Coordinator at Africa Water Justice Network, emphasized that “our natural resources are under siege” as communities face severe consequences from this unchecked pollution. With mass youth unemployment driving many into dangerous mining activities, Mr. Quartey attributed the crisis to neoliberal policies that favor foreign investment over local economic development, trapping young Ghanaians in exploitative mining labor.
Mr. Quartey also criticized the government’s strategy of penalizing galamsey operators, labeling it a “misguided solution” that fails to address deeper structural issues like poverty and job scarcity. Instead, the advocacy groups proposed stronger environmental protections, investment in alternative livelihoods, and community-based resource management to engage locals in safeguarding Ghana’s resources.