An artist in Ghana has drawn attention to the environmental destruction caused by illegal gold mining, known locally as “galamsey,” by using water from a polluted river as paint. The Pra River, located about 200 kilometers west of Accra, is heavily contaminated due to widespread mining practices that utilize mercury, leading to significant ecological damage.
This pollution has become so severe that the charity organization WaterAid has described the situation as “ecocide,” highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The rampant use of mercury in mining operations has degraded the land and polluted waterways, making the water undrinkable and affecting local communities.
Israel Derrick Apeti, also known as Enil Art, expressed his intention to raise awareness through his artwork, stating, “What is art for?” His visit to the Pra River revealed a shocking transformation, where locals lamented the loss of their once pristine waters, which used to be home to diverse wildlife.
Public demonstrations have erupted in Accra, with citizens demanding government action to combat illegal mining. The response from law enforcement has been to detain protesters, sparking further outrage and the use of social media hashtags like #stopgalamseynow and #freethecitizens to rally support from young people both in Ghana and abroad. These protests underscore a growing discontent regarding the government’s inaction in addressing the escalating crisis.
Artist Uses Polluted River Water to Highlight the Ecological Crisis of Illegal Gold Mining in GhanaThe nature of illegal mining in Ghana has evolved from traditional methods to more industrialized operations, often led by foreign investors. These operations have displaced local cocoa farms, further aggravating environmental and agricultural challenges. As Ghana ranks as the world’s sixth-largest gold exporter and second-largest cocoa exporter, the detrimental impact of illegal mining is felt across multiple sectors, including agriculture.
Reports indicate that illegal mining has led to the destruction of vast tracts of land and forest, with significant environmental consequences. The head of the Ghana Forestry Commission highlighted the destruction of over 4,726 hectares of land and damage to 34 forest reserves, with illegal miners using heavy machinery that exacerbates ecological degradation. This has raised alarms about the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s agricultural productivity, particularly in cocoa-growing regions.
Mercury pollution from mining activities poses severe health risks to local communities, with experts warning about its long-lasting effects on the environment and human health.
Dr. George Manful, a former official from Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency, emphasized the danger of mercury accumulation in water sources and its impact on the food chain. The reality is grim; many residents are becoming increasingly aware of the health risks they face, with reports of health issues linked to mining activities rising among those involved in galamsey.
Amidst the crisis, organizations like WaterAid have called for urgent governmental action to mitigate the ecological disaster. The Ghanaian government has initiated some legal actions against illegal mining, with numerous arrests made, yet local farmers and communities express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of these measures. They argue that the real culprits—wealthy individuals and officials—remain untouched while small-scale miners face the brunt of enforcement efforts.
Illegal mining is not only an environmental issue but also a socioeconomic one. As the global price of gold rises, the allure of quick profits from illegal mining has attracted many unemployed individuals in rural areas. These miners can earn significantly more than traditional jobs, creating a complex dilemma where economic desperation drives environmental degradation. The participation of locals in illegal mining complicates the government’s efforts to curb these practices, as many view it as a vital source of income.
In response to public outcry, President Nana Akufo-Addo announced measures to halt illegal mining activities, including deploying naval vessels to protect water bodies. However, internal party politics and the upcoming elections create challenges for enforcing a crackdown, as many politicians rely on support from mining communities. Critics argue that the president’s prior promises to address the galamsey crisis have not been met, leading to calls for accountability as the ecological and social fallout continues to escalate.