#STOPGALAMSEYNOW

There is growing concern regarding illegal small scale mining (Galamsey) near water bodies in Ghana. Here’s our take on the issue.

Small scale mining has existed for decades in Ghana. Well-known as a source of employment to a majority of Ghanaians working in the mining industry, small-scale mining is usually common in areas that are rich in gold, diamond, salt, rocks etc. However, most small-scale miners popularly referred to in Ghana as ‘Galamsey’ engage in gold mining. The Ministry of Land and Natural Resources has outlawed mining close to rivers, forests, water bodies and areas close to public infrastructure, however they continue to operate because proper monitoring by relevant authorities is absent. There is excessive destruction of farm lands and land degradation as pits are often left uncovered and abandoned where deep underground mining has occurred. There is pollution with chemicals like mercury which contaminates the soil, underground water and nearby surface water bodies causing severe harm to inhabitants living downstream who rely on and are forced to drink said water. (See images below)

Galamsey has polluted many water bodies across the country. (This is still happening) In October 2013, the Ghana Water Company Limited shut down one of its treatment plants at Odaso which supplied water to parts of Obuasi and surrounding areas in the Ashanti Region because the cost of chemicals used for the treatment of water from the Oda River increased rapidly as a result of pollution by illegal miners. Can you begin to imagine the implications of this?

It is evident that Small-scale mining is largely a poverty-driven activity, typically practiced in the poorest and most remote rural areas of a country by a largely nomadic, poorly educated people with few employment alternatives. (World Bank Group) It is true that revenue generated from small scale mining increases income. The increase in the people’s disposable incomes has a healthy effect on local economic activities. But remember that most gold extraction in developing countries relies mainly on mercury, it is a cheap, dependable chemical for extracting gold. However in large quantities, mercury poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. It has potential to weaken one’s immune system and life expectancy.

The dangers that the galamsey miners (the ones who actually do the dangerous work) are exposed to cannot be ignored. We often hear on news the death of illegal miners caused by a collapsed mining pit. Some of the galamsey bosses argue that they engage in Galamsey to help their less fortunate employees make a living and provide for their families. They need to realize that Galamsey is dangerous to their health and the environment. Various sources of water are being destroyed by Galamsey. Would you drink poisoned water? Why should the Ghanaians living downstream? There are more important things in life than money. What is the point of making money if you are not alive to enjoy it with your loved ones? When the Galamsey miners (the ones who actually do the dangerous work) pass away from health complications caused by this activity, who provides for their families then? Galamsey hasn’t always been in existence. #StopGalamseyNow. One thing we believe is that Ghanaians are resilient, the miners will find a way to survive when Galamsey ends.

We at The Money Team GH are well aware that some Ghanaians depend on small scale mining for their livelihood, this is why we are not just telling all involved in small scale mining to STOP Galamsey. We’re offering them better more profitable alternatives now and in the future. There are better things to mine than gold. Join the Crypto-Currency revolution, mine Bitcoin, Ethereum or Dash instead. If you have no idea what these are, check out our posts on How to Profit From Cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin has been in existence since 2009 and today it is worth more than gold and any existing fiat currency. Currencies which have been in existence for hundreds of years. Not to mention Ethereum which is our personal favourite because of its endless possibilities. Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dash are changing/going to change the world and you have the opportunity to be part of these amazing innovations at an early stage. Join the cause to #STOPGALAMSEYNOW and Learn How To Mine CryptoCurrencies instead, anyone can do it and no one gets hurt.

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