For too long, the narrative surrounding Ghana’s devastating illegal mining (galamsey) has focused on the visible scars on the landscape – the ravaged earth, the polluted rivers, and the heavy machinery turning once-pristine waterways into murky death traps. These are undeniably critical issues, yet a recent investigation reveals an even more insidious force silently fueling this environmental and social crisis.
In Wassa Akropong, a community synonymous with galamsey activities in Ghana’s Western Region, a shocking truth has emerged: a sprawling network of over 100 gold buying shops is not merely facilitating, but actively driving the persistent and brazen return of young men and women to illicit mining. This discovery suggests that the demand side of the galamsey equation, often overlooked, plays a far more significant role than previously understood.
This extensive market of buyers creates a readily available outlet for illegally mined gold, providing a constant incentive for individuals to risk their lives and destroy their environment. It’s a silent, yet powerful, economic engine that underpins the entire illicit operation, overshadowing even the direct destruction of land and water bodies.
The upcoming investigative documentary will not only expose the intricate details of these gold buying shops but also shed light on the often-unseen role of women – both young and old – who are deeply embedded in this alarming cycle of environmental degradation. Their stories will add another crucial layer to understanding the complex human dynamics at play in this challenging national issue.
Ahead of the full premiere on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, prepare for a revelation that will reshape the conversation around galamsey and challenge conventional understandings of its root causes. The true scale of this problem, and the surprising forces behind it, are about to be unearthed.
Source: http://thepressradio.com
