This article investigates the profound and escalating crisis caused by illegal small-scale gold mining, locally known as "galamsey," in Ghana. It delves into how these unregulated mining activities degrade land, water, and forest ecosystems, contributing to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and
socio-economic instability.

The article highlights the severe impacts on water quality and agricultural
productivity, and forest health, with a focus on regions such as Ashanti and Western. It also addresses the ongoing challenges in regulating and combating these activities, emphasizing the need for effective enforcement and sustainable practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By offering a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social issues surrounding galamsey, the article provides critical insights and practical solutions.

The challenges arising from environmental degradation and resource conflicts—particularly due to the destructive and reckless impact of the small-scale gold mining sector, locally known as "galamsey" (a term used in Ghana for illegal or unregulated gold mining operations)—are significant, urgent, and critical. These
issues manifest in the erosion of social cohesion, intensified competition for natural resources, and declining wages, and increased food insecurity.

Galamsey in Ghana has directly led to the degradation of thousands of hectares of the country's landmass. The rapid rise in exploration and mining activities in Ghana has raised expectations of significant economic and social benefits for communities but has also heightened fears of adverse environmental impacts and the effects of climate change on various aspects of business, including
ecotourism.

Acts committed during illegal small-scale gold mining in Ghana have, over time, caused substantial environmental degradation. These changes have resulted in the natural environment being deliberately targeted as a ‘victim’. Often overlooked, the environment has been a silent casualty of human conflict, and this issue persists today. It is imperative to recognise environmental crimes properly and hold those responsible fully accountable.

The environmental impact of mining frequently involves the destruction of habitats due to the removal of vegetation and changes to soil profiles and water systems, leading to increased run-off from degraded and eroded land. Moreover, the increasing pollution of water sources has been identified as a major factor
contributing to ongoing water shortages. In the Ashanti Region, the Atwima Mponua district is recognised as a major hotspot for illegal mining operations.

Despite government efforts to combat illicit small-scale mining, these activities continue unabated in Atwima Mponua, leading to severe pollution of the River Offin and three other nearby rivers. The River Offin, which is a vital source of clean water for various domestic uses for the residents of Atwima, has been particularly affected. Galamsey operators conduct their unlawful mining activities along the river in Atwima Mponua and near the borders of Mankranso in the Ashanti Region.

In locations like Aniamoa, Ntoboroso, and Adobewura—areas whose names are even derived from the rivers—illegal mining continues unabated, leading to the gradual destruction of these vital water bodies. In Ghana, villages have suffered extensive deforestation due to mining activities, and the health and quality of the remaining forests continue to deteriorate.

The Tarkwa district, which houses half of Ghana's major mines, vividly illustrates the significant social and environmental repercussions of the gold rush. Between 1990 and 1998, mining in this area displaced 30,000 people, polluted rivers and streams, and ravaged agricultural and forest lands. Illegal small-scale gold miners are notorious for causing extensive damage to forest reserves, such as those in Abompeh, located in the Atwima Mponua district of the Ashanti Region.

These miners not only destroy agricultural lands but also encroach upon them, leading to severe degradation of both water and land resources. Arable farmers along the River Offin are unable to utilize the river water for irrigation because it has been polluted by illegal mining activities. The contaminated water, when used, would damage the crops, creating significant concern for the farmers. Additionally, local residents can no longer drink from the river due to its altered color and high pollution levels.

Those living near the river are particularly severely impacted by this situation. Ghana faces the potential threat of a future health crisis and food security issues due to the rising levels of harmful chemical residues detected on agricultural produce. This problem stems from the contamination of soil and water sources with toxic chemicals, which results from illegal mining activities as well as the improper use of pesticides.

Despite the chocolate industry being valued at over $130 billion, Ghana and Ivory Coast, which together produce more than 60% of the cocoa used in the industry, face a significant risk. Ghana, a key exporter of cocoa, could see its cocoa rejected in the market if decisive measures are not taken to address and eliminate the galamsey problem. Mining activities have caused significant unemployment in nearby communities by taking over large areas of farmland without providing enough job opportunities to offset the loss of agricultural employment. Small-scale miners face additional difficulties as their access to gold fields becomes increasingly restricted, forcing them to either seek alternative employment or clear new land—often previously forested or used for
agriculture—for mining.

In response, recently, residents of the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality in the Western
The North Region has called on the government to implement effective measures to protect cocoa farms from the destructive impact of mining activities. They emphasize that cocoa farming is their primary source of livelihood, but the expansion of illegal mining operations is endangering their business as more farmland is being sold for mining.

Galamsey is prevalent in the southern parts of the Western and Eastern regions, as well as in some areas of the Northern regions. Despite its essential role in supporting human well-being and maintaining a healthy planet, Ghana's biodiversity is rapidly declining at an alarming rate, posing a serious threat to our survival. To address these issues, transparency is increasingly vital for a mining company's social license to operate.

Communities and other stakeholders must assess several key factors when deciding whether to grant or maintain this license, including the appropriateness of proposed rehabilitation measures, the future use of mining lands after closure, and the potential for any lingering environmental and health impacts. In most
mining regions in Ghana, a social license to operate is lacking. To address this, mining companies and regulators need to enhance transparency and gain stakeholder acceptance by building trust with key parties, including communities, government institutions, environmental organizations, and mining companies themselves.

This can be achieved through active engagement and interaction, sharing interests and goals, and collaboratively discussing and developing mutually acceptable outcomes. Effective enforcement of mining laws and regulations is essential to curbing illegal mining activities. Regulatory agencies must collaborate with stakeholders to reclaim and restore degraded lands and water bodies.

Mining companies must critically re-evaluate their approach to stakeholder engagement to secure and sustain their social licenses. This includes ensuring that their decommissioning and closure plans align with the expectations of communities, investors, and regulators. Investors, unlike communities, require a distinct approach to engagement. Mining companies typically interact with investors through annual and sustainability reports.

However, the United Nations Environmental Programme has noted that current mining sector reporting is insufficient to meet the information needs of various stakeholders. A significant barrier to enhancing environmental and social performance in mining is the lack of a unified global vision on what defines sustainable mining operations, including specific performance indicators at the mine site.

Establishing a clearer framework for sustainability could standardize and improve reporting practices for mining companies and guide relevant government policies and initiatives. Effective implementation of biodiversity initiatives can significantly contribute to achieving SDGs 1 (poverty eradication), 2 (end hunger), 3 (good health and well-being), 4 (education), 5 (gender equality), and
6 (clean water and sanitation). Additionally, these initiatives support SDG 8 (sustained economic growth), SDG 9 (sustainable infrastructure), SDG 11 (resilient communities), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 15 (protect and restore ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss), SDG 16 (peace and justice), and SDG 17 (global partnerships).

The selective planting of species and the use of various soil amendments, combined with the application of topsoil, can significantly improve the recovery of lands degraded by mining. Reforesting these areas can offer substantial economic, social, and environmental benefits to both mining companies and local
communities. Research consistently emphasizes the importance of selecting plant species that are stress-resistant, climate-adapted, and native to the local ecosystem. Additionally, it is crucial to restore these ecosystems in a manner that not only provides vital ecosystem services but also aligns with international policies, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

It is essential to develop land-use systems that deliver valuable products, enhance and stabilize agricultural production, and simultaneously conserve and rehabilitate natural resources. These systems should focus on fostering self-reliance rather than relying on costly external inputs, thereby ensuring stability and sustainability across economic, ecological, and social dimensions while also meeting the needs of local communities.

A comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle this issue, which involves implementing sustainable alternative livelihood programs for those engaged in illegal mining. Cocoa farmers should adopt farming methods that uphold the high standards for quality cocoa beans for which Ghana is renowned. Additionally,
It is crucial to protect water bodies and forest reserves within the area, and this effort requires the support of local communities.

The illegal small-scale gold mining crisis in Ghana is a complex issue with far-reaching impacts on the environment, economy, and society. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and emphasizes restoration, regulation, and transparency
engagement. By adopting sustainable practices and strengthening regulatory frameworks, Ghana can work towards mitigating the adverse effects of illegal mining and ensuring a more resilient and equitable future.