Young Positivist writes : How galamsey is affecting Ghana’s proforestation

The ongoing issue of galamsey, or illegal mining, in Ghana has far-reaching consequences that hinder the country's efforts to combat climate change and preserve its forests. In this account, I delve into the specific ways in which galamsey negatively impacts Ghana's proforestation efforts and the detrimental effects it has on the environment, economy, and future generations.

Ghana, like many other African nations, is rich in natural and mineral resources that should benefit its citizens and contribute to the country's economic growth. However, the presence of galamsey has led to the opposite outcome, with the continent remaining impoverished despite its vast resources. As the Kenyan professor Ali Mazrui aptly stated in one of his six paradoxes of Africa, "Africa is the richest continent in the world yet the poorest."

The impact of galamsey on Ghana's proforestation efforts is significant and multifaceted. To begin with, illegal mining activities have severely damaged the country's water bodies, causing pollution and affecting the health and well-being of both humans and wildlife. Additionally, galamsey has led to deforestation, which is the act of cutting down trees without replanting or preserving them, resulting in the loss of trees that play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

In a Climate Activist Program (CAP) organized by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) in Tamale, Ghana, I was introduced to the term proforestation for the first time. Proforestation refers to the practice of allowing existing forests to grow naturally until they reach their maximum ecological potential. Unlike afforestation and reforestation, which involve planting new trees, proforestation emphasizes the importance of preserving older forests, as they are more effective at sequestering carbon.

Research shows that forests annually remove about 30% of human-generated carbon dioxide emissions, making their protection essential in the fight against climate change.

The data from the Ghana Forestry Commission highlights the gravity of the situation, with an alarming 8,923.8 hectares of forest reserves, equivalent to 12,500 FIFA standard football fields, having been affected by illegal mining activities as of December 31, 2024. This figure includes 45 forest reserves and a national park, emphasizing the severity of the issue. The report underscores the urgent need for conscientious and deliberate efforts to protect these forest reserves from galamsey and other destructive activities.

As citizens, it is our responsibility to demand accountability from those entrusted with power and authority, and to take a stand against the greed that fuels illegal mining. By doing so, we can help ensure that Ghana's valuable forest reserves are preserved for future generations and contribute to the global efforts in mitigating climate change.