Hundreds of Ghanaians took to the streets for a second day, urging their government to crack down on illegal mining in the continent’s leading gold producer.
Demonstrators carrying placards have been pressing the government to address illegal mining, blamed for polluting rivers and damaging soil across the West African country. A final day of protests is scheduled for Saturday, Bloomberg reported.
“This is not a crisis but a fight for our nation’s soul,” Brownson Adatsi, the lead convener for the Free The Citizens Movement, said, reading out a petition in the capital, Accra. “Our children’s future is at stake, and we cannot, and will not stand by while our nation is ravaged by greed and negligence.”
Gold plays a critical role in Ghana’s economy, contributing nearly half of the country’s exports in 2023, according to central bank data. The country recently launched its first gold refinery to capture more value from its abundant natural resources.
The Royal Ghana Gold Refinery is set to process 400 kilograms of gold daily, primarily sourcing raw materials from artisanal and small-scale mines, which contribute about one-third of Ghana’s annual output of about 4 million ounces.
While large-scale mining companies must follow stringent environmental regulations, the artisanal and small-scale mining sector remains far less controlled.
Within this space, authorities acknowledge that a significant portion of the mines operate illegally, leaving their activities unchecked.
Locally known as “galamsey,” derived from the phrase “gather them and sell,” illegal mining has expanded with little consequence, according to activists, causing environmental damage and straining resources.
