By Sheldon Kobina AMBAAH
The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an ambitious global blueprint that seeks to address key global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and justice.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) form the backbone of this agenda, aiming to create a world where all people can thrive in harmony with the environment.
For Ghana, like many other countries, achieving these goals presents numerous challenges. One of the most pressing and complex challenges is the proliferation of illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.
While galamsey provides short-term economic benefits for marginalized communities, it undermines the long-term sustainability goals by exacerbating environmental degradation, contributing to public health crises, and destabilizing local economies.
This article will delve into how galamsey actively undermines each of the 17 SDGs, with a particular emphasis on its impact on water resources, food security, health, and broader global environmental systems.
SDG 1: No Poverty
Galamsey is often framed as a response to poverty, especially in rural communities where formal employment opportunities are scarce. Many individuals engage in illegal mining to earn a living, making galamsey an attractive option for economically disadvantaged groups. In the short term, illegal mining offers income for those who might otherwise be unemployed or impoverished.
However, galamsey ultimately perpetuates poverty in the long run. The environmental degradation caused by these activities depletes the natural resources that form the backbone of rural economies, particularly land and water.
Agriculture, the primary source of income for rural communities, is severely affected by land degradation and water contamination, resulting in reduced crop yields and diminished food security. Furthermore, communities reliant on natural resources find themselves caught in a cycle of resource depletion and environmental destruction, leaving fewer opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. As a result, galamsey undermines efforts to reduce poverty, a core goal of SDG 1. By degrading the very resources that rural populations depend on for survival, galamsey deepens poverty rather than alleviating it.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
One of the most critical intersections between galamsey and the SDGs is the effect of illegal mining on food security. SDG 2 aims to end hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food year-round. In Ghana, where agriculture is vital to both the economy and food security, the environmental impact of galamsey on farming communities cannot be overstated. Illegal mining depletes fertile soil, rendering land unfit for cultivation. The widespread use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide contaminates water bodies and soil, further exacerbating the decline in agricultural productivity.
The contamination of water used for irrigation reduces crop yields, which directly threatens food availability and contributes to rising food prices. As agricultural production declines in galamsey-affected areas, food insecurity intensifies. Additionally, farmers often have to abandon their lands as mining pits expand, leaving less land available for farming. The loss of arable land and the destruction of local ecosystems also erode biodiversity, further compromising food production systems. Galamsey thus directly conflicts with the objectives of SDG 2, reducing the nation’s ability to provide sufficient, nutritious food for its population.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
The health implications of galamsey are profound, with illegal mining activities introducing a wide range of public health hazards that are particularly harmful to communities living near mining sites. SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, yet galamsey exposes communities to a host of health risks, including mercury poisoning, respiratory illnesses, and infectious diseases.
Mercury, used in gold extraction, contaminates water bodies and enters the food chain, causing long-term health problems such as neurological damage, developmental issues, and chronic illnesses. Communities that rely on fishing for food are especially vulnerable, as mercury accumulates in aquatic life, leading to bioaccumulation of toxic substances in humans.
Additionally, galamsey sites are often breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to an increase in the spread of malaria and other vector-borne diseases. The abandoned pits filled with stagnant water create ideal conditions for mosquito larvae to thrive, exacerbating public health challenges in areas that already struggle with inadequate healthcare infrastructure. These health risks place immense pressure on Ghana’s healthcare system, making it more difficult to achieve SDG 3, which focuses on promoting well-being and ensuring access to healthcare.
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 4 emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education, yet galamsey severely undermines access to education in mining communities. Children from impoverished households are often forced to abandon school to work in illegal mining operations, either to support their families or to contribute to household income. The lure of quick money from galamsey leads many children to drop out of school, disrupting their education and limiting their future opportunities for economic advancement.
Furthermore, the destruction of local infrastructure caused by illegal mining, such as roads and schools, further hinders access to education. Schools located near galamsey sites may also suffer from a lack of resources or closure due to unsafe environmental conditions. Without proper education, children in mining communities are denied the opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty, exacerbating inequalities and undermining long-term economic development efforts.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
The environmental and economic devastation caused by galamsey disproportionately affects women and girls, making it harder to achieve SDG 5, which promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In rural communities, women are often the primary caregivers and are responsible for managing household resources such as water and food. As galamsey pollutes rivers and degrades land, women must travel longer distances to fetch clean water and find arable land for cultivation, increasing their workload and limiting their access to education or economic opportunities.
Moreover, women are frequently marginalized in the decision-making processes related to mining and natural resource management. They are often excluded from discussions on land use and environmental policies, reducing their ability to advocate for sustainable practices that protect their livelihoods. Gender-based violence and exploitation are also rampant in mining areas, where women may be coerced into unsafe or exploitative labor conditions. The persistence of galamsey thus exacerbates gender inequality, making it harder to achieve the goals of SDG 5.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Water is at the heart of the galamsey crisis. Illegal mining has led to the contamination of numerous water bodies in Ghana, rendering them unsafe for human consumption and agricultural use. SDG 6 calls for the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, but galamsey undermines this goal by polluting rivers, streams, and groundwater reserves with chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.
Communities that once relied on these water sources for drinking, cooking, and irrigation are now facing severe water shortages. The pollution has also led to the decline of aquatic life, further impacting food security for those who depend on fishing as a source of livelihood. Additionally, inadequate access to clean water exacerbates sanitation challenges, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, particularly in vulnerable communities. By degrading water resources, galamsey significantly hampers efforts to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Ghana’s quest for affordable and clean energy, as outlined in SDG 7, is also impeded by the environmental consequences of galamsey. Hydropower, a critical component of the country’s renewable energy infrastructure, is directly threatened by the pollution and siltation of rivers caused by illegal mining. The reduction of water quality and flow disrupts the functioning of dams, decreasing their efficiency and undermining Ghana’s capacity to generate clean, renewable energy.
Moreover, the deforestation associated with galamsey contributes to the loss of natural resources, including biomass that can be used for energy. Illegal mining activities also increase Ghana’s reliance on fossil fuels, as the destruction of ecosystems hinders the development of more sustainable energy alternatives. By eroding the environmental base necessary for clean energy production, galamsey challenges the country’s ability to transition toward affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
While galamsey provides short-term employment opportunities for some, it is an inherently exploitative industry that undermines SDG 8’s focus on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Illegal miners often work in dangerous conditions, without safety measures or fair wages. The lack of regulation within this sector exposes workers to significant health risks and hazardous working environments, while offering little in the way of long-term job security or financial stability.
Moreover, the economic benefits of galamsey are concentrated in the hands of a few illegal operators, while the environmental costs are borne by entire communities. The destruction of natural resources also diminishes the potential for sustainable industries, such as agriculture, tourism, and fisheries, which could provide safer and more stable livelihoods. Rather than promoting sustainable economic growth, galamsey hinders long-term development by depleting resources that are essential for future prosperity.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Illegal mining directly opposes SDG 9, which seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The environmental destruction caused by galamsey hinders the development of sustainable industries, such as eco-tourism and agro-processing, that could provide jobs and foster economic growth. Instead of contributing to the development of resilient infrastructure, galamsey leaves behind scarred landscapes and deteriorated infrastructure, making it difficult for industries to thrive.
Furthermore, the depletion of natural resources undermines efforts to foster innovation in resource-based sectors such as agriculture and energy. Without a stable environmental foundation, the potential for sustainable industrialization diminishes, leaving Ghana’s economy vulnerable to external shocks and resource scarcity. Galamsey represents a missed opportunity to invest in sustainable industries that align with long-term national development goals.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Galamsey exacerbates social and economic inequalities, particularly in rural communities, where the wealth generated by illegal mining activities is concentrated in the hands of a few, while the environmental and health burdens are borne by the many. SDG 10 calls for reducing inequality within and among countries, but illegal mining increases disparities in wealth distribution and access to resources.
Local communities that suffer from the environmental degradation caused by galamsey often lack the political power or financial resources to advocate for their rights or to participate in decision-making processes related to natural resource management. This deepens the divide between urban and rural areas, as well as between rich and poor, undermining efforts to create a more equitable society.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The impact of galamsey is felt not only in rural areas but also in urban and peri-urban environments, undermining efforts to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable (SDG 11). The uncontrolled destruction of natural landscapes through illegal mining leads to increased flooding and soil erosion, which negatively affects both rural and urban infrastructure. In many cases, the uncontrolled activities of galamsey operators contribute to the rapid expansion of informal settlements, especially around mining zones. These areas often lack basic infrastructure, such as sanitation systems and roads, leading to the proliferation of slums and unplanned urban development.
Moreover, many local governments struggle to regulate and mitigate the environmental impacts of galamsey in urban areas, as illegal mining often takes place in environmentally sensitive locations that were once protected from development. The destruction of green spaces, forests, and water sources through galamsey also depletes the natural resources that cities and communities depend on, thus undermining SDG 11’s goal of making human settlements more sustainable.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Sustainable consumption and production patterns, as outlined in SDG 12, are essential for achieving long-term global sustainability. Galamsey is directly at odds with this goal. Illegal miners often employ highly inefficient and environmentally destructive methods to extract gold and other resources, such as the reckless use of toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide. These practices result in wasteful extraction and significant environmental degradation, contrary to the principles of responsible production.
The extraction methods used by illegal miners generate massive amounts of waste and pollution, which are not properly managed or disposed of. This, in turn, contributes to a cycle of irresponsible resource use, where the short-term economic benefits from galamsey are prioritized over the long-term sustainability of the environment. Moreover, the illegal gold mining industry often bypasses formal regulatory mechanisms that promote responsible consumption and production, further exacerbating environmental harm and undermining efforts to implement sustainable practices.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Climate change is a critical global challenge, and SDG 13 focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Galamsey has severe implications for climate resilience and environmental protection. Deforestation, a common byproduct of illegal mining, contributes to increased carbon emissions and reduces the capacity of forests to act as carbon sinks. Large tracts of forest land are cleared to make way for mining pits, further compounding climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, galamsey contributes to land degradation and biodiversity loss, which weakens ecosystems’ resilience to climate change. Deforestation and soil erosion caused by galamsey reduce the ability of ecosystems to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. As climate change continues to intensify, the loss of forests and fertile land due to illegal mining exacerbates the vulnerability of communities to climate-related disasters, undermining the ability to achieve SDG 13.
SDG 14: Life Below Water
SDG 14 focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Although galamsey primarily takes place on land, its effects reach aquatic ecosystems. The chemicals used in illegal mining, such as mercury and cyanide, seep into rivers and streams, eventually flowing into larger bodies of water, including coastal areas and the sea. This pollution has a devastating impact on aquatic life, causing fish kills and reducing biodiversity in affected water bodies.
Moreover, the sedimentation and siltation caused by mining activities clog waterways, reducing the flow of rivers and streams. This affects not only freshwater ecosystems but also marine environments, as sediment and pollutants eventually reach coastal zones. Over time, the contamination of marine resources can lead to the collapse of fisheries and disrupt livelihoods for coastal communities, threatening SDG 14’s target to preserve life below water.
SDG 15: Life on Land
Illegal mining poses a direct threat to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Galamsey activities result in large-scale deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Forests, which play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and providing ecosystem services, are cleared to create mining pits, and the resulting destruction of habitats drives many species to the brink of extinction.
Soil degradation caused by galamsey further reduces the fertility of land, limiting its capacity for reforestation and sustainable land use. In addition, the extensive use of harmful chemicals in mining operations contaminates the soil, making it unsuitable for agriculture or ecosystem restoration efforts. The loss of biodiversity, in turn, undermines ecosystem resilience and the provision of ecosystem services such as clean air and water, which are critical for human well-being and development.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
SDG 16 focuses on promoting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, as well as strong institutions. Galamsey operates outside the rule of law, and its proliferation has led to widespread corruption, violence, and exploitation. In many cases, local and national authorities are either unable or unwilling to enforce laws against illegal mining, allowing the practice to flourish unchecked. This undermines the rule of law and weakens public trust in government institutions, leading to further social unrest.
The presence of powerful criminal networks involved in galamsey also contributes to violence in mining communities, as different groups compete for control over mining sites. These conflicts often result in human rights violations, including forced labor, child labor, and gender-based violence. The lack of effective governance and law enforcement exacerbates the challenge of achieving SDG 16, as communities are left vulnerable to exploitation, injustice, and violence.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Finally, SDG 17 emphasizes the importance of partnerships and global cooperation in achieving the SDGs. Tackling the galamsey menace requires a coordinated effort between governments, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector. Galamsey is a transnational problem, with illegal miners often working across borders and selling their gold through international channels. Addressing the issue requires not only local and national action but also international cooperation to regulate gold markets and curb the demand for illegally mined resources.
Furthermore, effective partnerships between governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can help implement sustainable development programs that provide alternative livelihoods for illegal miners. Investment in education, skills development, and sustainable economic opportunities is essential to curbing galamsey and promoting long-term development. International cooperation on environmental conservation, law enforcement, and sustainable resource management is also critical to achieving the SDGs in regions affected by illegal mining.
Conclusion
The menace of galamsey represents a significant obstacle to achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana and other countries affected by illegal mining. While it may provide short-term economic benefits for a small segment of the population, its long-term impacts are devastating, threatening water resources, food security, health, and the environment. Galamsey undermines efforts to promote sustainable development, exacerbates inequality, and weakens governance structures.
Addressing the galamsey crisis requires a multifaceted approach that includes stricter law enforcement, sustainable livelihood programs, environmental restoration efforts, and international cooperation. Only through a comprehensive and coordinated strategy can Ghana hope to curb illegal mining and achieve its vision of sustainable development by 2030. Without urgent action, the goals of the 2030 Agenda will remain out of reach, and future generations will bear the burden of today’s environmental destruction and social instability.
>>>the writer is a Sustainable Developments Goals advocates
