Galamsey Devastation: How the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia Administration Has Contributed to Ghana’s Environmental Chaos
The galamsey epidemic severely threatens Ghana’s environment and economy, causing extensive damage to water bodies, forest reserves, and farmland. Illegal mining has polluted major rivers with harmful chemicals, making water unsafe and impacting public health and food security.
The Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration faces criticism for its delayed response, with the opposition calling for immediate action. President Akufo-Addo has now formed a five-member committee to address the crisis and improve coordination among key ministries. However, concerns persist about the timing of this intervention and the administration’s previous inaction.
The galamsey crisis has also led to declines in cocoa and food production, increased deforestation, and worsened climate change effects. Illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana has a significant financial and economic impact, causing severe environmental damage, reduced agricultural productivity, and water pollution. The FAO reports that Ghana loses about 135,000 hectares of forest annually due to illegal mining, agriculture, and logging.
Of the country’s 7.9 million hectares of forest, over 2.5 million hectares have been destroyed by illegal mining, representing 31.65% of the forest area. Rehabilitating this damage would cost an estimated $20,000 per hectare, totaling $50 billion for the affected 2.5 million hectares.
In regions like Western and Eastern Ghana, rivers such as Ankobra and Birim are heavily polluted, and extensive forest reserves have been devastated by galamsey activities. The table below shows the estimated damage in 2024:
| Region | Affected Areas | Estimated Land Degradation (Hectares) | Estimated Cost of Degradation (US$ Billion) |
| · Western Region |
| 720,000 | 14.40 |
| · Ashanti Region |
| 540,000 | 10.80 |
| · Eastern Region |
| 360,000 | 7.20 |
| · Central Region |
| 180,000 | 3.60 |
| · Bono/Bono East/Ahafo |
| 288,000 | 5.76 |
| · Northern Region |
| 108,000 | 2.16 |
| · Western North Region |
| 252,000 | 5.04 |
| · Volta Region |
| 72,000 | 1.44 |
| Total | 2,520,000 | 50.40 |
Note: the country will need US$20,000/ hectare to reverse the damage
The table presents a comprehensive overview of the environmental and economic impacts of the galamsey epidemic across various regions in Ghana. The extent of land degradation and the associated financial costs underscore the severe toll that galamsey has taken on the country’s landscape and economy. The Western Region emerges as the most severely affected area, with approximately 720,000 hectares of land and forest degraded. This substantial damage translates to an estimated financial cost of $14.40 billion.
The extensive destruction in this region has notably impacted agriculture and water resources, including significant pollution of the Pra and Ankobra rivers. Historically rich in mineral deposits, the Western Region has become a prime target for illegal mining activities, exacerbating the environmental and economic fallout. Following closely is the Ashanti Region, where 540,000 hectares of land have been degraded, resulting in a financial cost of $10.80 billion.
The region, known for its rich gold reserves, particularly in Obuasi, has seen extensive damage to cocoa farms and severe water pollution. This has had a detrimental effect on both the local economy and public health, as polluted water sources have compromised access to clean water and impacted agricultural productivity.
The Eastern Region has experienced significant land degradation, with about 360,000 hectares destroyed for $7.20 billion. Akwatia, known for its diamond deposits, has suffered extensive damage to its landscape and river systems, particularly the Birim River. This degradation has severely impacted agricultural productivity, especially in crop cultivation, and rendered water sources unusable for surrounding communities.
In the Central Region, illegal mining has led to the degradation of 180,000 hectares, with a financial impact of $3.60 billion. The region, known for its farming activities, has seen a reduction in arable land, affecting food production and the livelihoods of many farmers. Additionally, the pollution of water sources due to mining chemicals has complicated agricultural irrigation and access to clean water.
The Bono/Bono East/Ahafo Regions have experienced 288,000 hectares of land degradation, with an estimated cost of $5.76 billion. Although less affected compared to the Western and Ashanti Regions, the impact on agriculture and biodiversity in these areas is still significant. The shrinking forest cover has had a detrimental effect on local ecosystems.
The Northern Region, particularly in Bole, Talensi, and Nabdam, has lost 108,000 hectares of land due to illegal mining, with an associated cost of $2.16 billion. The region’s challenges with environmental degradation are compounded by desertification and deforestation, worsening food insecurity, and water scarcity for communities that rely heavily on agriculture and natural water bodies.
The Western North Region has seen 252,000 hectares of land degraded, costing about $5.04 billion. As a relatively new hotspot for galamsey, this region, rich in gold reserves, has faced significant impacts on local farming, particularly in cocoa cultivation, as illegal miners encroach on farmland. Finally, the Volta Region has recorded the least land degradation, with 72,000 hectares affected and a financial cost of $1.44 billion.
While not as heavily mined as other regions, the Volta Region has still experienced environmental damage, including the destruction of forests and water bodies. The immense environmental and economic consequences of illegal mining reflect the urgent need for effective intervention and remediation strategies to address this ongoing crisis.
Why Ghanaians are Blaming the NPP Government and
President Akufo-Addo’s-Dr Bawumia Administration?
The NPP government, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has come under substantial criticism for its handling of the illegal mining (galamsey) crisis. During the 2016 and 2020 election campaigns, President Akufo-Addo promised to tackle illegal mining decisively, pledging to enforce regulations and protect Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
Despite introducing measures like a ban on small-scale mining, forming task forces, and establishing the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), critics argue that these initiatives have fallen short. Enforcement has been inconsistent, and the president is often seen as a “clearing agent” for issues involving misbehavior within his party.
The government’s efforts have been hampered by inadequate resources, corruption, and interference, resulting in ineffective action against illegal mining. There have been allegations of high-ranking officials benefiting from or turning a blind eye to illegal mining operations, further eroding trust in the administration. Civil society organizations and the public have called for accountability, leading to the perception of galamsey as a “national pandemic” due to its widespread and severe impact.
The extensive deforestation, loss of biodiversity, water pollution, and economic costs, including reduced agricultural productivity and the need for extensive rehabilitation, have significant long-term consequences for both the environment and public health.
The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), responsible for overseeing environmental policies and enforcing regulations on illegal mining, has faced criticism. Reports have alleged that the minister and their office may have made questionable decisions or delayed actions, contributing to the persistence of galamsey.
Additionally, local officials in various regions have been accused of either participating in or ignoring illegal mining operations, often allegedly receiving bribes or benefits from such activities. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has also been criticized, particularly in relation to his “Gold for Oil” policy.
Critics argue that this policy, intended to trade gold for oil, might inadvertently incentivize gold production, including illegal mining. There are concerns that the policy could increase the demand for gold, potentially exacerbating the galamsey problem by encouraging illegal operations to meet this demand.
The Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration is often criticized by Ghanaians for emphasizing rhetoric over tangible results in combating the galamsey crisis. The administration grapples with a series of interconnected challenges that undermine its effectiveness. A significant issue is the inconsistent enforcement of regulations, exacerbated by task forces and agencies that are perceived to be aligned with the ruling party.
Despite the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) and various task forces, illegal mining persists in regions such as Western and Ashanti Ghana. This ongoing problem is attributed to ineffective enforcement and allegations that some officials tasked with upholding the rules are complicit in the illegal activities, including collaborations with foreign miners, such as Chinese nationals. Additionally, the lack of adequate resources further impedes efforts to curb the crisis.
Corruption among officials further exacerbates the problem. Reports suggest that some high-ranking officials and local authorities may be involved in or turn a blind eye to illegal mining activities. This corruption undermines trust in regulatory bodies and allows galamsey operations to continue unchecked. For instance, allegations have surfaced about officials accepting bribes from illegal miners, which hampers effective intervention. Economic incentives for illegal mining create a powerful counterforce to regulatory efforts. The high profitability of gold mining drives many individuals and groups to engage in galamsey despite the risks.
For instance, the lucrative nature of gold mining in areas like Obuasi makes illegal mining a persistent issue, as the economic benefits outweigh the legal consequences. Inadequate public engagement and failure to provide alternative livelihoods further complicate the situation. Without addressing the economic and social needs of communities involved in or affected by galamsey, achieving long-term reductions in illegal mining is challenging.
The lack of alternative economic opportunities for those affected by galamsey fuels continued participation in illegal activities. Policy missteps, such as the obsolete policy from Bawumia “Gold for Oil” initiative, may inadvertently worsen the situation. Critics argue that such policies might increase the demand for gold, indirectly encouraging illegal mining by creating additional economic incentives. This misalignment between policy goals and enforcement strategies undermines efforts to address the crisis effectively.
In conclusion, the devastation caused by galamsey under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration has significantly contributed to Ghana’s environmental chaos. Despite promises to address illegal mining, the government’s actions have been marred by inconsistent enforcement, corruption, and a lack of adequate resources.
The establishment of task forces and committees like the IMCIM has failed to produce substantial results, as illegal mining continues to ravage key regions such as Western and Ashanti Ghana. Complicity among officials and a lack of accountability have worsened the situation, while economic incentives for illegal mining persist.
This administration’s inability to provide alternative livelihoods or implement sustainable solutions has left Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and communities vulnerable to irreversible damage. Moving forward, a comprehensive, transparent approach is essential if the country hopes to reverse environmental degradation and restore public confidence in leadership.
For inquiries, Dr. Tetteh-Dumanya can be reached at:
Dr. Bernard L. Tetteh-Dumanya is a seasoned Financial Economist & Consultant with an illustrious career spanning 29 years across academic, corporate, and agribusiness sectors. His extensive professional journey includes pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as UBA Ghana, SIC Financial Services, Empretec Ghana, and the Swiss International Finance Group, reflecting his profound understanding of global finance. Renowned as a pioneer in risk management, compliance, and corporate strategy, Dr. Tetteh-Dumanya has made significant contributions to the Ghanaian financial landscape. He has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives in Venture Capital, business/financial reengineering, and fundraising, thereby playing a pivotal role in the growth and development of numerous entities. Driven by a fervent dedication to capacity development, Dr. Tetteh-Dumanya has offered consultancy services to a diverse array of local and multinational organizations notably GIZ, AGRA, SNV, DANIDA, and USAID among others. His expertise in financial and business domains is multifaceted, showcased through his adept navigation of complex challenges and his commitment to driving sustainable growth in every endeavor.
