Whatever the Outcomes of Galamsey, Get Ready to Pay the Price.

Before, I would get livid every time I heard the word "colonization." I reflected on how Ghana's natural resources were exploited by colonial masters, believing we could advance ourselves using our own wealth. Recently, however, I find myself less upset about the exploitations of the past, and it’s for one simple reason: our leaders are mismanaging our resources. This has given rise to the #SayNoToGalamsey demonstration. Little by little, they’ve poisoned the well for their own thirst. The urgency of the situation is dire, and we must act immediately. Here’s what will unfold if our leaders continue to stay idle.

1. Increased Exodus of Talent

For many young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs, the decision to leave isn't just about economic opportunities anymore—it’s about survival. Why stay in a country where access to clean water, arable land, and a healthy environment is diminishing? With few resources to fight the long-term effects of galamsey, the country might lose more citizens and some brilliant minds will be among those leaving the country. This exodus will weaken the country’s potential for development, further deepening the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.

2. Increased rural-urban migration

Accra's population is growing quickly. Earlier this year, Joy News reported that Dr. Faustina Frempong, a Deputy Government Statistician, highlighted the need to manage this growth. She called on policymakers to improve how the city develops, considering its small size and rising population. As rural areas suffer from the effects of galamsey, many people who can't afford to move abroad will migrate to Accra in search of better opportunities. This will lead to overcrowding, higher living costs, and strain on services like housing and sanitation. The migration will also hurt local economies as young people leave their villages, causing a drop in agricultural production and leading to food shortages. Those moving to Accra may struggle to find jobs, increasing unemployment rates and creating more economic challenges.

3. Inadequate Healthcare Facilities Crisis

Ghana's healthcare system is already struggling, and galamsey makes it worse. Back in the 90s, mothers would have to sleep on the floor after giving birth because there weren't enough beds in hospitals. In 2018, a 70-year-old man died after trying to get help in seven different hospitals that had no beds available. This sad situation gave rise to the term “No-Bed Syndrome,” showing how serious the problem is. According to the World Health Organization, every country should have five hospital beds for every 1,000 people. Ghana has only 0.9 beds per 1,000 people. Also, the pollution from illegal mining will cause more kidney problems, and we don’t have enough dialysis machines to help those in need. Case in point, the renal unit at Ho Teaching Hospital, which serves three regions, has only five working machines, sometimes dropping to four. If we don’t stop galamsey, many people will suffer without the care they need.

4. Birth Defects and Miscarriage

Galamsey can seriously harm the health of pregnant women and their babies. When illegal mining happens, harmful chemicals like mercury and lead can get into the soil and water. If pregnant women are exposed to these chemicals, it can lead to problems like birth defects or miscarriages. This is worrying because it means more babies could be born with health issues or may not survive. Also, many hospitals in Ghana do not have the resources to help these women and children, which makes the situation even worse.

5. Sexual Dysfunction

Galamsey also affects sexual health for both men and women. When people are exposed to toxic substances, it can cause problems with sexual function. Men might experience erectile dysfunction or have lower sperm counts, while women could have irregular periods or difficulties getting pregnant. These issues can strain relationships and add stress to families. If more people face these problems, it can lead to fewer babies being born and increase feelings of anxiety and sadness among couples.

6. Impaired Child Development

Children are at great risk from galamsey, and it can hurt their growth and learning. When kids are exposed to harmful chemicals, it can lower their IQ, cause learning difficulties, and lead to behaviour problems. If children do not get the support they need to grow and learn well, it can affect the future of the whole country. A less educated generation will struggle to help Ghana develop, and this can keep families in poverty and make it hard for the nation to progress.

7. Cost of Drinking Water

The ongoing galamsey activities will likely lead to serious pollution of Ghana's water sources, making it harder for people to access clean drinking water. As pollution increases, families may face higher costs for water purification or have to rely on expensive bottled water and sachet water. Two years ago, the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) suggested that one iced sachet of water should be sold at 60 pesewas, causing a big outcry. Although the price is now 50 pesewas, ongoing pollution could lead to further price increases. If sachet water, the most affordable drinking option in Ghana, becomes more expensive, many families will struggle to afford it. And in case you haven't heard, pharmaceutical companies warn that if this issue isn't resolved, Ghana may have to import water for medicine production.

8. Market Competitiveness Leading to Threat to Local Brands

Galamsey will create a big problem for local brands, especially in areas that depend on clean natural resources, like farming and drinks. When water bodies and soil get polluted, the quality of local products will drop, making them less attractive than imported goods. Many Ghanaians already prefer foreign products, which makes the situation worse. As local businesses struggle to keep up with rising costs and pollution, more people will choose imported items over local ones. This trend will not only hurt local companies and lead to job losses but also weaken the Cedi, as more money leaves the country to buy foreign products. As Ghanaians increasingly rely on imports, other countries will become richer while Ghana suffers. Over time, the decline of local brands could harm the economy and slow down progress in the country.

9. Increased Production Costs leading to Price Increases for Consumers

The destructive activities of galamsey will likely lead to increased production costs for various industries, particularly those that rely on clean water and natural resources. For instance, manufacturers of soft drinks and beer depend heavily on high-quality water for their products. As galamsey pollutes water sources, these companies will be forced to invest in expensive purification processes to ensure their beverages meet safety and quality standards. This increase in operational costs will not only strain businesses but will also be passed down to consumers in the form of higher prices for these products. As a result, the cost of a soft drink or a bottle of beer will rise, making it more expensive for everyday consumers. 

I could go on and on about the consequences of galamsey. It has recently been reported that 60% of our water bodies are contaminated, and to assert that the government has taken a resolute stance against galamsey would be misleading. A man interviewed by Berla Mundi in a video claimed that it is the same "caramel" water used to irrigate their cocoa crops. A woman, in another video, stated that she utilizes alum to purify the water before preparing and selling acheke (a cherished Ivorian dish in Ghana). A quick search on Google will enlighten you regarding whether alum can effectively remove mercury from the water she uses. The repercussions of the #SayNoToGalamsey demonstration, led by the youth, are yet to unfold. So, whatever the outcomes of galamsey, get ready to pay the price.

 Support campaigns, raise awareness, and pressure leaders to take real steps toward stopping illegal mining before it's too late. The future of Ghana depends on it. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." —Edmund Burke