Millions of people in Ghana are dealing with the consequences of illegal gold mining, known locally as galamsey. The activity has been linked to environmental degradation, especially in rural areas, where rivers are contaminated with toxic chemicals. Public concern has persisted while mining continues, including participation by both local residents and foreigners.
President Nana Akufo-Addo pledged to eradicate galamsey after taking office in 2017. Activists in communities affected by illegal mining are calling for immediate action. They point to weak enforcement of government initiatives as a factor limiting progress.
Heavy metals found in placentas of pregnant women
Ghanaian forensic pathologist Paul Poku Sampene Ossei is advocating for a complete ban on all small-scale mining. His research focuses on the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai district, described as an illegal mining hotspot. He reported that heavy metals including cyanide, arsenic, and mercury were detected in the placentas of pregnant women.
Ossei’s findings link those contaminants to birth defects. The research is presented alongside other studies that connect illegal mining to adverse health outcomes. The reported results add to concerns about how contaminated sites affect vulnerable groups.
River pollution levels exceed drinking water standards
Environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor reports that nearly every major river in Ghana is severely polluted. Data cited from the Ghana Water Resources Commission shows turbidity levels ranging from 500 to 14,000 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). This range is far above the recommended drinking water standard of 5 NTU.
Donkor also links river contamination to impacts on livelihoods, climate, health, and agriculture. He says these effects contribute to poverty in communities affected by galamsey. The pollution is described as a direct outcome of toxic chemical contamination of waterways.
Task forces and enforcement challenges
Donkor says government task forces created to combat illegal mining have been ineffective. He attributes this to the involvement of powerful individuals in or around illegal operations. He reports that politically exposed persons and people in government are often engaged in mining activities within protected areas.
When military personnel are deployed to enforce regulations, Donkor says officials frequently redirect them. This pattern is described as undermining enforcement efforts against illegal miners. The issue is presented as one that affects operational outcomes on the ground.
Financing by influential actors and equipment provision
Enoch Randy Aikins of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) describes how influential figures finance illegal mining operations. He says they do so by providing heavy equipment used for extraction activities. Aikins also notes that some community members may participate due to government inaction.
He argues that large interests primarily drive the problem. Aikins adds that addressing the issue at the top level would be important for demonstrating government commitment. He frames tangible actions against influential actors as a signal for enforcement priorities.
Africa-wide illegal mining and risks to safety
Illegal small-scale mining extends beyond Ghana and affects multiple countries across Africa. In South Africa, “zama zamas” are reported to occupy both closed and active mines. Losses are estimated at 70 billion rand (about $4 million) annually.
The South African government has acknowledged that illegal mining harms community safety and health. An Interpol report on illegal gold mining in Central Africa describes miners as vulnerable individuals who trade safety for an opportunity to escape poverty. It also states that women make up half of Africa’s artisanal miners and children represent an additional 10%.
Dealers, armed groups, and political figures at higher levels
The Interpol reporting places major dealers, organized crime groups, high-ranking political figures, and non-state armed groups at the top of the chain. It highlights conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of Congo as areas where these actors are involved. The description connects illegal extraction with networks operating beyond local sites.
Gold smuggling routed through Dubai
A report from a Swiss NGO says billions of dollars’ worth of gold are smuggled out of Africa each year, largely funneled through Dubai. The estimate covers 321 to 474 tonnes of African gold valued at $24 to $35 billion going undeclared annually. It also states that smuggling doubled between 2012 and 2022.
The same report says that in 2022 approximately 66.5% of gold imported into the UAE from Africa was smuggled. A Swissaid report based on data from 54 African countries links illicit activity to international trade networks. It also emphasizes the need for effective regulation and enforcement across those networks.