Galamsey proceeds funding Ghana's politics, churches, and media, says economic policy analyst
Economic policy analyst Senyo Hosi, convener of the OneGhana Movement and a trustee of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, stated that proceeds from illegal small-scale gold mining, known as galamsey, are funding Ghana’s politics, churches, and media. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme, Hosi described galamsey as an endemic problem deeply integrated into the country’s social and economic fabric, noting it has become a livelihood. He emphasized that Ghana has passed the point where eradication through enforcement alone is feasible. Hosi highlighted that gold accounts for approximately 63% of Ghana's total exports, with more than half originating from artisanal and small-scale mining ASM, much of which he links to galamsey. He argued that the path forward involves "fixing galamsey, not fighting and stopping galamsey." Hosi also commented that current interventions are ineffective, citing deteriorating water quality as evidence that Ghana is retrogressing in the fight against galamsey. These remarks come amidst ongoing national debate about the environmental, health, and economic costs of galamsey, which include polluted rivers, degraded forest reserves and farmlands, and concerns about food safety and national security.
