Unlicensed Gold Mines in Ghana Present Risks to People
Illegal gold mining operations in Ghana have reportedly increased in recent years. The activities present dangerous risks to the individuals involved as well as environmental harms. The Reuters news agency recently reported on the issue. Reporters with the news agency visited such an operation in western Ghana. They found that workers were not using professional protective equipment as they mined for gold in muddy water filled with mercury. Groups of unofficial miners wore normal clothes and used only their hands to remove rocks.
Mining officials in Ghana say such operations can harm miners’ health, pollute waterways, destroy forests and farms, and increase crime rates. One of the men working at the illegal mine told Reuters, “It’s risky, but I just want to survive.” The man was a 24-year-old accounting student. He did not want to be named because he is involved in illegal activities. He told Reuters he had been missing classes to search for gold because he needs the money.
The illegal operations have also harmed thousands of hectares of cocoa farms and forest areas, reports data-gathering group Global Forest Watch. Protesters have taken to the streets in Ghana’s capital, Accra, in recent weeks. They have criticized President Nana Akufo-Addo's government over a lack of attention to the problems. Some demonstrators carried signs that said "Leaders, you've failed us!" Aboubacar Sadekh took part in a protest on the issue September 22. He told Reuters, “Galamsey has to stop. We want to live long. We don't want to fall sick. We don't want to go to the hospital."
Jenny Joe Aprl 26, 2020 reply
Nunc risus ex, tempus quis purus ac, tempor consequat ex. Vivamus sem magna, maximus at est id, maximus aliquet nunc. Suspendisse lacinia velit a eros porttitor, in interdum ante faucibus Suspendisse lacinia velit a eros porttitor, in interdum ante faucibus.
Simon Soe Aprl 27, 2020 reply
Nunc risus ex, tempus quis purus ac, tempor consequat ex. Vivamus sem magna, maximus at est id, maximus aliquet nunc. Suspendisse lacinia velit a eros porttitor, in interdum ante faucibus.
Addy Aoe May 12, 2020 reply
Nunc risus ex, tempus quis purus ac, tempor consequat ex. Vivamus sem magna, maximus at est id, maximus aliquet nunc. Suspendisse lacinia velit a eros porttitor, in interdum ante faucibus Suspendisse lacinia velit a eros porttitor, in interdum ante faucibus.