Abstract
The galamsey crisis in Ghana, characterized by illegal small-scale gold mining, has precipitated an environmental, health, and social catastrophe, threatening the nation’s sustainability and security. Inter alia, strong voices – The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), have urgently called for a state of emergency to address this “cancer in the national soul,” critiquing half-measures like declaring security zones as insufficient. This article examines why security zones, while tactically useful, are mere BANDAGES incapable of addressing the systemic nature of galamsey’s ecocide. Drawing on environmental science, public health data, economic analyses, and governance critiques, the article argues that only a state of emergency, with its comprehensive powers, can provide the SURGICAL intervention needed to dismantle syndicates, restore ecosystems, and safeguard Ghana’s future.
Introduction: The Galamsey Crisis as a National Emergency
Let the facts have it that, galamsey did not start today.
That is to say, the menace has been gnawing at the nation for some time now but at this point in time, the nation can no longer play the ostrich and continue to pretend we are not perpetrating ecocide.
Galamsey, legally defined by STOP ECOCIDE International as, “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts”, has polluted over 60% of Ghana’s water bodies, destroyed 40% of its forests, and per incontrovertible data available, imposed a $1.7 billion healthcare burden due to mercury and cyanide poisoning.
The GCBC’s September 15, 2025, Pastoral Letter and the CCG’s September 28, 2025, Press Statement, frame this as a moral and existential crisis, demanding a state of emergency over localized measures like security zones.
This article argues that declaring a security zone is a superficial response—a bandage—while a state of emergency offers the surgical intervention needed to excise the “cancer” of galamsey.
The article explores the limitations of security zones, the necessity of emergency powers, and a path forward.
The Scope and Impact of Galamsey’s Ecocide
Environmental Devastation
Galamsey has wickedly transformed Ghana’s landscapes into wastelands. Rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, Densu, Birim and Ayensu are biologically dead, laden with mercury and cyanide, disrupting water supply systems like the Kwanyako plant (35 million gallons daily).
Deforestation, driven by Ghana’s status as a top regional importer of excavators (not because excavators are bad in essence, but because of its association with galamsey), has depleted forest reserves, accelerating climate vulnerability and threatening biodiversity.
A 2025 study notes mercury levels in mining communities far-exceeding safe thresholds, causing bioaccumulation in ecosystems.
Public Health Crisis
The health impacts are dire, with mercury exposure linked to neurological disorders, kidney failure, and birth defects.
In particular, forensic Histopathologist, former Head of Pathology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as well as Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Professor Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming findings from his (only his) ongoing research, linking at least 500 cases of spontaneous abortions in Ghana to high levels of heavy metals in the placenta caused by galamsey activities.
The annual healthcare cost of $1.7 billion strains Ghana’s medical system, while communities face increased infertility and chronic illnesses.
Economic and Social Fallout
While galamsey employs over a million Ghanaians, it destroys sustainable sectors like agriculture and tourism, inflating food prices and deepening poverty.
Violent conflicts in mining zones, often involving armed groups, threaten security, while corruption sustains syndicates backed by political elites and foreign actors.
We cannot as a nation so soon forget the galamsey-linked gruesome murder of the late Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, a young budding military officer, who lost his life only because he responded to national duty to protect our ecosystem.
The reported $6 billion in raw gold revenue from early 2025 is dwarfed by long-term losses – what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul.
Greedy individuals and cartels are gaining; Mother Ghana is being raped violently, hemorrhaging uncontrollably, and losing her soul.
The dastardly aspect of the gruesome rape is how Ghanaians are not only enjoying the incestuous rape, but are gleefully prying open Mother Ghana, pinning her to the earth, and allowing foreigners to enter the evil frenzied orgy of raping the birth canal that should be birthing forth blessings – now bleeding curses.
Security Zones: A Bandage on a Bleeding Wound
Definition and Application
A security zone is a localized designation to address specific security threats, such as violence or illegal activities in a defined area.
In Ghana, security zones have been used in anti-galamsey operations like Operation Vanguard, involving restricted access, patrols, and checkpoints in mining hotspots.
Not enshrined specifically in the 1992 Constitution but governed by security laws (e.g., Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 1996) or Executive Directives, they require minimal (or no) parliamentary oversight and focus on immediate threats.
Indeed, the forest reserves that have been invaded, are designated security zones under the Forestry Commission, with forest guards paid by the state to protect such zones.
However, the fact that forest reserves are security zones, have not prevented the galamsayers and their political collaborators from invading and defiling such sacred places – the bandage, is very visible and only covering the cancerous wound.
Limitations in Addressing Galamsey
Narrow Scope: Security zones target specific sites (e.g., a river basin or mining community), failing to address galamsey’s systemic impacts across regions. For example, securing the Pra River does not address pollution in the Ankobra or deforestation elsewhere.
Temporary Impact: Operations like Operation Vanguard disrupted galamsey temporarily, but miners often relocated to other areas, perpetuating the cycle.
Corruption and Enforcement Gaps: Security zones rely mainly on known local forces, which are susceptible to bribery by galamsey financiers, undermining effectiveness.
State of Emergency: The Surgery Required
Legal and Operational Framework
Under Article 31 of the 1992 Constitution, a state of emergency empowers the President, with parliamentary approval (not Parliament, with Presidential approval), to address extraordinary threats through sweeping measures. For galamsey, this could involve:
A ban on all small-scale mining activities found to be operating illegally (there legal small-scale miners engaged in responsible mining).
Military deployment to dismantle operations and seize equipment.
Emergency funding for water purification, land reclamation, and health interventions.
Temporary restrictions on movement or curfews in hotspots – curfews are imposed on specific areas like Bawku, Alavanyo, Nkonya etc.
Why It’s Necessary
Systemic Approach: Addresses environmental, health, and security dimensions simultaneously, unlike the fragmented scope of security zones.
Dismantling Syndicates: Targets financiers, politicians, and foreign actors, requiring national coordination to overcome local corruption.
Resource Mobilization: Enables rapid allocation of funds for reclamation and health interventions, addressing the $1.7 billion burden.
Public and International Signal: Demonstrates commitment to constitutional mandates (Article 36(9)) “The State shall take appropriate measures needed to protect and safeguard the national environment for posterity; and shall seek corporation with other states and bodies for purposes of protecting the wider international environment for mankind”, and global agreements like the Minamata Convention, restoring Ghana’s reputation.
Security Zones Versus State Of Emergency
Security zones, as seen in past efforts, fail to prevent galamsey’s spread, with miners relocating and corruption persisting.
A state of emergency, while politically sensitive, offers the scope and authority to excise the crisis’s roots, as is being demanded by religious leaders, anti-galamsey coalitions, and the voiceless majority of Ghanaians.
Conclusion: No More Bandages; Incisive Surgical Operation Is Non-negotiable
Galamsey’s ecocide demands more than the bandage of security zones, which fail to address its systemic roots.
The GCBC and CCG’s calls for a state of emergency reflect the urgency of a surgical intervention to excise this “cancer” threatening Ghana’s environment, health, and future.
A state of emergency offers the legal and operational framework to halt mining, dismantle syndicates, and restore ecosystems, aligning with public reinforced demands.
The government must act decisively, heeding the GCBC’s warning that “delay is betrayal,” to secure a sustainable legacy for Ghana and to ensure we do not deny future generations what God ordained for their destinies.
The time for bandages is over; surgery is imperative.
Ghana shall not die; Ghana shall live to glorify God our Maker.
Amen!!!!
Samuel Koku Anyidoho
(Founder & CEO, MILLS Institute For Transformational Leadership Development)
Email: Sitsoanyidoho1@yahoo.com
Tuesday, September 30, 2025.