Often, when we hear or mention galamsey, the first thought that comes to mind is gold mining, which is the common perception among everyone.

However, did you know that galamsey isn’t limited to gold mining?

According to the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, the term galamsey is not only for gold mining but also sand winning.

During a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show with Kwame Sefa Kayi on September 5,2024, the minister highlighted that one major problem in the Eastern Region is illegal sand winning.

He explained that individuals travel long distances to the region to engage in this activity.

“The galamsey we often talk about is not only limited to gold mining; in the Eastern Region, it also includes sand winning. That is my major problem. All the way from Nsawam to Suhum and the other smaller towns, that is their major issue. People drive all the way from Accra at dawn just to engage in sand winning.

He said that these illegal miners go as far as destroying the crops of farmland owners just to win the sand, and then tend to criticize the government after causing significant harm and losses to the water bodies.

“People wake up only to find out that their crops have been destroyed by these individuals. Sand winning galamsey is the money-making venture individuals are in illegally.

“…when it happens like this, the same individuals involved will come and complain that the water bodies have been destroyed and start to criticize the people that actually are trying to combat the problem,” he lamented.

MAG/MA