Ghana's Galamsey Gold Rush

Rushing into trouble

In Ghana gold is one of the staple resources, along with aluminium and oil. Because of that prominence gold especially has seen alot of Illegal and enviornmentally damamging activity in recent years. The unemployed youth in ghana are flocking to the Northern Regions to exploit the gold rich lands causing problems up and down the economic and enviornmental chain. Mining companies complain of illegal miners taking over thir spaces, whilst farmers tell stories of entire crops destroyed by Galamsey activity. The people and the government are fed up with it and are beginning to act, but this problem isnt and us vs them thing. It is a systemic issue that must be addressed by it roots.

Why Dey Galamsey

The issue of galamsey is often looked at as a problem caused by lawless youths and chinese exploitationists, but its roots lie far deeper in the issues of ghana that some youth and immigrants.

The only reason those youth are not working towards bettering Ghana is because ghana has failed them. Their leaders have shown them that the resources under their feet, are worth more than their lives time and time again. Currently Ghana's unemployment rate is around 2% and rising as a failure to implement jobs from the resources that Ghana is so rich in. There is a plan to create 1 factory per district to help add value to exports, but many critics dont believe this endeavor will work due to the Ghanaian governments track record of failed or abandoned projects.

While future jobs may help alleviate the problem, currently the promise of riches from Galamsey is too attractive to sway many youth into other professions such as farming. Illegal gold mining had led to the polloution of local water sources and the destruction of hecatres of farmland. If not addressed properly It could lead to food shortages or rising costs of items that should be grown in Ghana but are imported. The techniques used by galamseyers is often crude with dangerous substances that contaminate the workers and watersupply.

Money is the motivator,in a place where the economy is hard and good pay is even harder.

Engagement is the key

If we approach galamseyers on a organized profesional level, we may not only solve the enviornmental issues but some social ones as well! Giving the galamseyers the education and support to organize into a corporate or cooperative union would make it easier to regulate their activities and assist them in the proper technigues. Instead of criminilizing them immediately, we should consider employing them to mine the gold which could be sold by the cooperative to support the people in the region. Of course there will be some who resist and still mine illegally, and they must face strict sacnctions and swift punishment as ab example to others.

Getting the minds of the galamseyers to look at the big picture will help them pull out of poverty and protect their homes which are often in the regions they mine. The current tactic of sending Police an soldiers has led to over 2,000 arrests but less that 200 convictions. That meant the governments approach is failing and needs to be overhauled. By creating a Gold mining Cooperative we can allow the Galamsey miners to become legitimate and still earn a stable income.Whats more is as a cooperatiive all the mines are share holders so as the company grows financially so will they.

Its time to do something

Right now some one is out there mining gold in terrible conditions exposed to deadly chemicals and subpar working conditions. They slave away and are often cheated when they go to sell their findings, yet they must keep going. We can use our smarts to build something meaningful for the people. Organization is the key to lasting success, we can only solve the issues with a subtle touch not a stern push. It's worth a try especially since nothing else has worked!

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Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://habarinetwork.com/ghanas-galamsey-gold-rush/

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