llegal small-scale gold mining, known as Galamsey, has caused severe environmental devastation in Ghana due to the unregulated use of highly toxic chemicals like cyanide and mercury. These chemicals have poisoned agricultural land and polluted large bodies of water, such as the Pra and Birim rivers, which are vital sources of drinking water for many Ghanaians.

Reports indicate that 60% of Ghana’s waterways are contaminated, and if this trend continues, the country may be forced to import water by 2030.

Protesters have taken to the streets, urging the government to take stronger action against galamsey operations, calling for measures such as repealing specific mining laws and deploying military forces to clear illegal miners from protected areas. However, these protests have led to the mass arrest of activists, including peaceful demonstrators and bystanders, many of whom remain detained without bail.