Ghana’s Illegal Mining Crisis Affects Upcoming Presidential Election
In Ghana, illegal mining, known as “galamsey,” has become a serious issue as the country prepares for its presidential election. Near the capital, Accra, many men work under the hot sun, digging for gold and using heavy machinery. Their hard work is visible in the damaged land around them. This illegal mining is causing significant harm to the environment and is a major topic of discussion as voters get ready to choose a new president.
The current president, Nana Akufo-Addo, is stepping down after two terms. The main candidates in the election are Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former president John Mahama from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both candidates are facing pressure to address the problems caused by illegal mining.
Many miners, like a man named Frank who asked to keep his real name private, say they have no choice but to work in these dangerous conditions. They know their actions harm the land and pollute rivers, but they feel desperate due to a lack of jobs. Frank mentioned that he earns about $180 a week, which is more than what some teachers make in a month.
Illegal mining has led to serious environmental issues in Ghana. The country is one of the largest gold producers in Africa and also relies heavily on cocoa farming for its economy. However, illegal mining has destroyed thousands of acres of cocoa farms and polluted water sources with harmful chemicals like mercury. This pollution threatens drinking water for millions of people.
As the election approaches on December 7, many young people are protesting against illegal mining and demanding action from their leaders. They want politicians to take their concerns seriously and come up with real solutions. Activists are worried that political promises may not lead to real change.
Despite promises from previous governments to stop illegal mining, the problem has only worsened due to rising gold prices and high unemployment rates among young people. Many believe that addressing this issue will be crucial for whoever wins the election.
Frank and others in the mining community feel overlooked by the government. They want support to mine responsibly instead of facing crackdowns that destroy their equipment. They hope that the new president will focus on creating job opportunities and improving regulations around mining.
The outcome of this election could determine how Ghana deals with illegal mining in the future and whether it can protect its natural resources while providing for its people.