The term “Poley” might be unfamiliar to many Ghanaians or may sound like an unusual nickname, but in the town of Wassa Akropong in the Western Region of Ghana, it carries deep and gritty meaning.
While it may sound new to outsiders, for residents entrenched in the gold-fueled hustle of the area, it’s a way of life.
In a revealing documentary by GhanaWeb titled “The Gold Market That Fuels Ghana’s Galamsey,” the story delves into the heart of Wassa Akropong, where mining isn’t just an occupation, it’s a lifeline.
According to the exposé, nearly every household in this gold-rich town is involved in illegal small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey.
The term “Poley” surfaced during an interview conducted by GhanaWeb’s Etsey Atisu with some local women who appeared to be involved in the activity.
They explained that “Poley” is simply another name for galamsey, used informally among locals.
According to them, they turn to this trade as a means to earn a living.
“We are going to do galamsey; to do what we call ‘Poley’ to get something small into our pockets. Poley is the same as galamsey,” one of the women said, amid laughter.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
