The people of Sefwi Antobia Electoral Area in the Juaboso District of the Western North Region have recounted the negative impacts of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on their communities.
This came to light during a community engagement organized by The Resource Foundation in collaboration with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) at Sefwi Danyame on December 12, 2025.
Residents expressed deep concern over how galamsey has destroyed rivers and streams that used to serve as their main sources of water. They said they now have to transport water from town to their farms for spraying cocoa trees, which is costly and stressful.
The participants also lamented that vast farmlands previously used for cultivating rice and other crops have been degraded by illegal mining activities. They noted that galamsey has led to an increase in premature deaths, as many young people continue to lose their lives in collapsed mining pits.
According to the residents, school dropouts, teenage pregnancies, and drug abuse have become rampant as a result of the growing interest of the youth in illegal mining. They emphasized that the negative effects of galamsey far outweigh any perceived benefits.
The Chief of Sefwi Antobia, Nana Adu Kwasi II, commended the government for instituting measures to combat the menace, including the establishment of NaImos and the Blue Water Guards to protect water bodies. He disclosed that a recent operation by the Blue Water team in his community led to the destruction of illegal mining equipment.
Nana Adu Kwasi II added that his traditional council has also implemented by-laws to prevent children below 18 years from visiting any mining site, whether legal or illegal. He noted that they are also investigating individuals who sell unauthorized drugs in the community. The chief further urged parents to take good care of their children and guide them to become responsible future leaders.
The Senior Coordinator for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, Mr. Edward Teyi Sarpong, said Canada is committed to supporting efforts that protect the environment and address climate change. He explained that their collaboration with The Resource Foundation aims to create awareness about the environmental destruction caused by galamsey and to encourage people to adopt sustainable and lawful means of livelihood.
Mr. Sarpong stated that while many engage in illegal mining to earn quick money, they must understand its long-term dangers to the environment and future generations. He emphasized the need for the youth to take advantage of government programs that provide sustainable jobs instead of engaging in activities that destroy the environment and water bodies.
He further appealed to traditional leaders to continue supporting the fight against galamsey and ensure that anyone interested in mining does so responsibly and within the confines of the law.
