By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, October 2, GNA – The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) has labeled Ghana's unlawful mining situation, commonly referred to as galamsey, as a human rights emergency.
It cautioned that the issue had become deeply rooted due to alleged political involvement and weakened security measures.
The alert was issued at the conclusion of a four-day Promotion Mission in Ghana, where a senior team from the Commission met with government representatives, civil society organizations, and development partners between September 29 and October 2, 2025.
The team, consisting of Commissioners focused on the extractive industries, women's rights, torture prevention, detention, and socio-economic rights, evaluated Ghana's human rights conditions and the effects of extractive operations.
Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, the official in charge of advancing human rights in Ghana, and the Special Rapporteur for Women's Rights in Africa, mentioned during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra that 'galamsey' has become one of the most serious dangers to the nation's stability and its human rights obligations.
Although the mission praised Ghana for its forward-thinking reforms in justice, security, and social protection, it highlighted galamsey as an issue of serious concern that threatened the environment, people's means of living, and basic rights.
The Commission's initial conclusions, which present a severe situation, indicated that rivers and streams in mining areas had been contaminated, leaving communities without access to clean water and endangering health.
Cocoa plantations and additional farmlands have suffered significant damage, causing concerns about insufficient food supply and financial struggles for agricultural workers.
The delegation noted that 'galamsey' had also caused a social crisis, with children in mining areas leaving schools to engage in dangerous mining activities.
"This endangers not only their right to education but also poses a threat of generating a generation stuck in cycles of illiteracy and exploitation," the Commissioners noted.
The mission also emphasized reports of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in galamsey regions, noting that women and girls, already at risk because of poverty, encountered significant reproductive health dangers and mistreatment.
The well-being of children living in areas affected by mining pollution is also at risk, with lasting consequences connected to chemical exposure.
Equally concerning is the proof of political and security force involvement in the continuation of 'galamsey'.
The delegation was informed by stakeholders that specific political figures and certain security officials, who were assigned to prevent illegal mining, were actually gaining from the practice.
The Commission stated that this had damaged public confidence in official actions and reinforced a culture of impunity, enabling 'galamsey' to flourish despite ongoing government efforts to curb it.
Acknowledging the magnitude of the situation, the Commission made a powerful appeal to Ghana to implement a unified, cross-sector strategy to eradicate illegal mining.
It called on the government to evaluate designating critical mining areas as secure zones in order to facilitate determined and ongoing measures.
The Commissioners suggested creating a top-tier, autonomous inquiry with strong anti-corruption measures to dismantle groups of political and security figures benefiting from galamsey.
They emphasized that an investigation must be open and autonomous in order to regain trust in government-led actions.
The mission's suggestions extended beyond enforcement to tackle the socio-economic causes and effects of galamsey.
Public health was recognized as a critical concern, prompting demands for impartial health impact evaluations in impacted regions and prompt care for populations affected by mercury poisoning and associated illnesses.
Regarding education, the Commission introduced an extensive initiative featuring scholarships and school restoration in mining regions to reduce student attrition and assist children already engaged in mining.
The mission highlighted that the future of Ghana's children should not be compromised for temporary benefits.
To protect farmers, the Commission recommended establishing an emergency assistance fund for cocoa growers and implementing a nationwide land and water restoration initiative.
It also advocated for the creation of sustainable income options via skills development, programs aimed at youth employment, and the legalization of small-scale mining.
Particular attention, it stated, must be given to involving at-risk populations like young people and migrant laborers referred to as Kayayei, who frequently ended up participating in illegal mining due to necessity.
The group maintained that only through developing respectful options and increasing access to education, healthcare, and jobs could Ghana overcome the cycle of poverty and exploitation fueling the galamsey issue.
The Commission acknowledged Ghana's overall dedication to human rights but cautioned that the continuation of 'galamsey' might undermine significant advancements achieved.
"This goes beyond an environmental concern; it is a human rights emergency that threatens the dignity, security, and future of millions of Ghanaians," Commissioner Sallah-Njie said.
Although the complete report of the mission will be submitted to the African Commission for approval prior to being sent to the Government of Ghana, it called for immediate action to address 'galamsey' with the seriousness and collaboration it requires.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie
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