Ghanaian youth have been actively rallying against galamsey, which refers to illegal small-scale gold mining in Ghana.

There have been organized protests, such as the “Stop Galamsey Now” protest led by the Democracy Hub, which demanded decisive action from the Ghanaian government to halt illegal mining activities, particularly in forest reserves and along key rivers. These protests have highlighted the environmental degradation caused by galamsey, including pollution of major rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim.

Following protests, there were reports of arrests, including individuals like a 63-year-old woman and a 10-year-old child, which sparked outrage on social platforms. This reaction underscores the public’s frustration with the government’s handling of both the galamsey issue and the response to protesters.

The issue has gained international attention, with demonstrations occurring at significant locations like the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where protesters demanded the release of those arrested during anti-galamsey protests in Ghana. Various groups, including the Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG), religious organizations like the Youth Gate of Advocates for Christ Ghana, and even church youth groups like the Young People’s Guild (YPG) at Trinity Presbyterian Church, have actively rallied against galamsey.

They’ve called for stricter enforcement, restoration of damaged ecosystems, and have criticized the government for what they perceive as inaction or insufficient action against illegal mining. There’s been criticism towards the government, with figures like Osman Ayariga from the NDC accusing President Akufo-Addo of lacking commitment to fighting galamsey.

Conversely, there’s also a call for collective responsibility from government supporters, indicating that the fight against galamsey should not be left to the government alone. The sentiment from X posts reflects a deep concern over the environmental and health impacts of galamsey, with calls for immediate action, disillusionment with political responses, and instances of citizens taking direct action against galamsey operations, such as burning down mining equipment.

This movement against galamsey by Ghanaian youth and various stakeholders represents a significant social and environmental campaign, highlighting the broader implications of illegal mining on Ghana’s future and its natural resources. The protests and the subsequent reactions illustrate a populace increasingly vocal and active in demanding environmental justice and governance accountability.