Can all four co-exist?
Illegal small-scale mining, known as ‘galamsey,’ is a significant threat to Ghana’s natural resources, particularly its arable lands and water bodies. While galamsey can provide quick financial gains, it causes long-lasting environmental damage and disrupts local livelihoods, especially for young people involved in agriculture. To address this issue, the Springboard Road Show Foundation, through its Ghana Grows Program, conducted a study to explore the impact of illegal mining on youth involvement in agriculture and Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training (ATVET).
The Big Question:
“Wobɛtu anaa wobɛdɔ? (Would you choose galamsey or agriculture?)”
The Impact of Galamsey: “We Are Destroying Our Inheritance”
The study was carried out in four selected districts where galamsey activities are prevalent: Prestea Huni Valley in the Western Region, Aowin in the Western North District, Twifo Atti Morkwa in the Central Region, and Asutifi North in the Ahafo Region. The study collected youth perspectives through focus group discussions in these districts, supplemented by an online discussion on X (formerly Twitter) and social media posts engaging wider audiences on this issue.
These young people had diverse experiences, including youth who had completed Senior High School and were seeking job opportunities, former galamsey workers who had left mining for alternative livelihoods, young unemployed individuals who were potential candidates for ATVET programs, and young farmers who could provide insights into opportunities in the agricultural sector. This diversity ensured that the discussions captured a wide range of experiences and perspectives of young people affected by galamsey.
The young people responded, sharing their personal stories, frustrations, and hopes for the future. In this newsletter, we present their voices, their lived experiences, and the solutions they recommended to protect Ghana’s future.
Ghana Grows is a youth-led program that inspires young people to discover career opportunities and supports them in pursuing decent and fulfilling jobs in Agriculture, Agribusiness, and the Technical and Vocational Skills sectors.
The program aims to change the negative perceptions young people have about these sectors. Ghana Grows is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation and Springboard Road Show Foundation.
The young people in these districts understand the trade-offs between agriculture and galamsey. Although agriculture is seen as a sustainable option, the allure of quick money from galamsey is a significant temptation, especially in rural communities.
Young people are collectively concerned about the destructive environmental impact of galamsey. Rivers like the Bonsa, Huni, and Bompieso, once used for drinking, irrigation, and fishing, are now polluted with chemicals, rendering them unusable. Abigail, a young farmer, expressed her frustration, “I used to farm eggplants, but it’s hard to find workers now. Everyone wants the quick money from galamsey. They don’t understand that we’re destroying our future. If the land is ruined, what are we going to farm on?”
Participants also described the damage to farmlands, with former cocoa and rubber plantations overtaken by illegal mining activities. Francisca Archer shared how her younger brother, after joining galamsey, fell into drug use: “My younger brother started smoking after working with the galamsey boys. It’s not just about the land—galamsey is destroying our people. I want a better life for my children, away from this.”
These stories reflect the broader destruction caused by galamsey, not only environmental but also social. Young people spoke about how agriculture, once the backbone of these communities, is now seen as less attractive compared to mining. The widespread perception is that farming takes longer to yield profits, while galamsey offers immediate income.
Samuel Coffie from Aowin shared a traumatic experience of working at a galamsey site, where a pit collapsed, killing two of his friends: “I was working at the site when it happened. The pit collapsed and buried my friends alive. That’s when I knew I had to leave galamsey. I don’t want to risk my life anymore.”
This incident highlights the personal dangers of illegal mining, which are often overlooked by those seeking quick rewards.
Young People’s Perspectives on Agriculture: “We Need to Invest in Sustainable Solutions”
“To provide genuine alternatives to galamsey, we need alternative livelihood programs. Community-led training in farming would give us the skills to transition from mining and find stability in agriculture. Training in agricultural processing, like turning cassava into gari or processing cocoa, would create additional income streams, making farming a more attractive and viable option.”
— Participant
Recommendations from Young People
The first set of recommendations focuses on environmental restoration and land reclamation. The youth called for mining companies to take responsibility for land reclamation and restore mined lands for agricultural use. They urged the enforcement of mandatory rehabilitation policies, especially in regions heavily impacted by mining, ensuring that these lands are brought back to productivity.
Alongside land reclamation, they emphasized the need to clean and restore polluted water bodies to make them viable for agriculture and human consumption. These measures, they believe, are essential to rebuilding communities and enabling sustainable livelihoods.
Education and public awareness emerged as another critical area. These young people suggested community-based educational programs to promote agriculture as a viable and respected profession. They advocated for reintroducing agriculture as a core subject in schools, fostering an appreciation and understanding of the sector from an early age.
Improving government regulations and enforcement is a priority for addressing galamsey. The youth called for stricter laws to curb illegal mining activities, with accountability measures in place for local authorities and security agencies.
The young people highlighted the importance of health and safety measures for communities affected by mining. They suggested implementing regular health screenings in mining-affected areas to address the health impacts of toxic mining pollutants.
Social Media Interactions
In addition to focus group discussions and X Space discussions, Ghana Grows conducted social media research to gather wider youth perspectives on galamsey. The campaign, titled “Wobɛtu anaa wobɛdɔ?” encouraged young people from all backgrounds to reflect on the choices and challenges they face in their communities.
Many commenters emphasized the need for political will, proper planning, and meaningful policy reforms. Others highlighted the necessity of learning from other countries that have successfully managed their mining sectors.
Conclusion
The findings from the focus group discussions, X Space conversations, and social media posts provided a comprehensive picture of the complex relationship between Ghana’s youth, the environmental and economic impacts of galamsey, and the opportunities in agriculture and ATVET.
While achieving a balance between sustainable mining, environmental protection, and agricultural productivity may seem challenging, it is not unattainable. Through policy reform, community involvement, and empowering youth with skills and opportunities in agriculture, Ghana can make strides towards a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
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