The illegal mining phenomenon known as “galamsey” has become a significant socio-economic issue, ravaging the environment and threatening the health and livelihoods of many communities. Yet, amid the chaos, a troubling trend emerges: the young workers—often the most vulnerable and exploited—face harsh penalties for their roles, while the bosses, who orchestrate these operations, remain largely unscathed. This raises an essential question: why is there such a stark disparity in accountability?
The Vulnerable Labor Force
Many young people enter the galamsey trade out of economic necessity. Faced with limited job prospects, they often take on physically demanding and hazardous roles, driven by the promise of income that is hard to resist. These young workers typically operate under the supervision of powerful figures—those who reap the financial rewards of illegal mining while remaining removed from the immediate repercussions of their actions.
Unequal Justice
The reality is that law enforcement tends to target the most visible players in the galamsey game: the young laborers on the ground, rather than the higher-ups who plan and profit from these operations. This raises significant questions about justice and equity. Why are those orchestrating the operation—often with ties to powerful interests—able to evade accountability, while young workers face legal action, fines, or imprisonment?
This inequity can be traced back to several systemic issues, including corruption within law enforcement agencies, lack of resources to go after those at the top, and an overall societal tendency to view the lowest rungs of the economic ladder as expendable.
Environmental and Social Consequences
The consequences of galamsey extend far beyond the individuals involved. The destruction of rivers and land leads to long-term environmental degradation, affecting countless communities that rely on these resources for their survival. The toxic runoff created by illegal mining practices poisons drinking water, contributing to serious health issues among local populations.
While young workers are demonized for these environmental impacts, the masterminds who profit from these actions remain in the shadows, often ignoring the environmental toll for the sake of profit. Such discrepancies in accountability compromise not only justice but also the very livelihoods of communities that suffer from their activities.
A Call for Collective Action
It is crucial for all stakeholders—government agencies, community leaders, and civil society—to come together in a united front against galamsey. This involves stringent measures against illegal mining while ensuring that the enforcement of these measures does not disproportionately punish those with the least power.
Efforts must be made to create job opportunities for young people in legitimate industries, offering sustainable alternatives that can uplift communities rather than destroy them. Moreover, the government should crack down on the networks that facilitate illegal mining at the top, ensuring that those who profit from the exploitation of natural resources are held accountable for their actions.
The fight against galamsey cannot be won until there is a fundamental shift in how society views responsibility and accountability. Young workers should not be scapegoated for a system that exploits them; rather, we must tackle the root causes of illegal mining and ensure that those who are truly responsible face the consequences of their actions. Only then can we hope to protect our environment and preserve the future of the communities affected by this destructive practice.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
