The threat posed by galamsey goes beyond mercury pollution and environmental degradation. Without immediate and coordinated action from the government, traditional leaders, and the private sector, Ghana risks facing not just an ecological disaster but also social unrest and political instability. The disillusionment among miners is growing, and the failure to provide economic alternatives could push them toward organized resistance or rebellion.
As one of Ghana’s major sources of drinking water, the Volta River plays a vital role in sustaining communities, agriculture, and industry across the country. However, as Ghana faces increasing threats to its water resources, one pressing question arises: what would happen if gold were discovered in the Volta Region, particularly near the Volta River?
Given the devastating environmental impacts of illegal mining—locally known as “galamsey”—on water bodies in other regions, this hypothetical scenario could spell disaster for one of the country’s last remaining clean water sources. The potential consequences of gold mining in this ecologically sensitive area are vast and must be considered carefully.