In the heart of Ghana’s Aowin district, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding, one that cuts deeper than environmental degradation or economic loss. Babies are born without essential facial features—eyes, noses, and ears. The cause? Rampant illegal mining, known as *galamsey*, has devastated the region. Toxic chemicals from mining, including mercury and cyanide, have contaminated the water, air, and soil, leading to horrific health outcomes for the innocent.
This tragedy brings into sharp focus the broken promises of Ghana’s leadership. The Educate Africa Institute (EAI), a prominent voice for accountability in education and development, has harshly criticized President Nana Akufo-Addo and his administration. During his electoral campaigns, the President pledged to stamp out galamsey and restore Ghana’s natural environment. Today, however, many feel betrayed as illegal mining continues unabated, involving not only locals but also foreign nationals—most notably the Chinese.
Galamsey has led to the destruction of critical water bodies, forests, and cocoa farms, which are the backbone of local economies and the country’s agricultural heritage. Rivers such as the Ankobra, Pra, and Birem—once lifelines for millions—are now poisoned. Forests that supported biodiversity and provided clean air have been leveled for short-term gains. Farms that sustained families for generations have been replaced by pits of death.
While Ghanaians suffer, many accuse the government of looking the other way, allowing foreign interests to exploit the nation’s resources. EAI has pointed out that the involvement of Chinese and other foreign nationals in illegal mining operations has worsened the crisis. These operators often use machinery and chemicals that accelerate environmental destruction, leaving devastation in their wake. The lack of effective oversight and regulation has only emboldened these groups, raising questions about whose interests the government is truly protecting.
The consequences of this environmental disaster go beyond health. Livelihoods are being destroyed, and the future of entire communities is at risk. Cocoa farms that were once the pride of the country’s agricultural sector have been uprooted, forcing many farmers to abandon their trade. Families are being forced to choose between surviving in poisoned environments or migrating to already crowded urban areas, worsening the unemployment crisis in the country.
EAI’s scathing remarks reflect the growing frustration of Ghanaians, who are demanding more from their government. The promise of a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining has been largely unfulfilled, and the few efforts that were made seem half-hearted or ineffective. To the people of Aowin and other affected areas, this is not just a political issue—it is a matter of survival. How many more children must suffer from deformities? How many more rivers must run red with chemicals? How much longer will the forests fall before the government takes real, decisive action?
It is not just the environment or public health at stake; the very soul of Ghana is in jeopardy. Illegal mining undermines the rule of law, erodes trust in government institutions, and weakens the country’s moral fabric. The fight against Galamsey is a fight for the future of Ghana. In the eyes of posterity, what will President Akufo-Addo’s legacy be?
The time for action is now. The people of Aowin and across Ghana deserve more than empty promises. They deserve a government that protects their land, their health, and their future. Posterity will judge those who had the power to act but chose not to.
We are one people. Ghana first!
SGD,
William Boadi
*Executive Director of EAI, Educationist, Political Analyst, and Social Worker*
+233541935106.
