Galamsey threatens Ghana’s development gains and environmental protection – EU

The European Union (EU) has warned that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is threatening Ghana’s development gains and undermining investments in sustainable agriculture, water sanitation, security and forest protection.

Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Ghana, Jonas Claes, said the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining was frustrating efforts by the bloc to support Ghana’s development across these critical sectors.

He made the remarks on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the public launch of three Gold for Good baseline studies in Accra, where he highlighted the growing impact of illegal mining on the EU-Ghana development partnership.

Mr Claes explained that the European Union had previously avoided direct involvement in the fight against illegal mining because of the political sensitivities and complexities surrounding the issue.

“Three to four years ago, the European Union did not have any engagement in this field. It was considered politically risky, too complex a problem,” he said.

However, he said the increasing damage caused by galamsey had compelled the bloc to reconsider its position and become more actively involved in efforts to address the menace.

“However, illegal mining is not only detrimental to the people of Ghana, but it also directly undermines EU interests and the EU-Ghana partnership,” he added.

According to him, EU commits substantial financial resources to development programmes in Ghana, particularly in sustainable agriculture, water sanitation, security and reforestation.

He noted that the continued destruction of forests, pollution of water bodies and degradation of agricultural lands through illegal mining were threatening the effectiveness of these investments.

“The EU spends sizeable programming funds towards sustainable agriculture, water sanitation, security and reforestation, all of which are gravely undermined by illegal mining practices,” Mr Claes stated.

He said the EU, together with some of its member states, was no longer staying away from the fight against illegal mining but was supporting interventions aimed at addressing the problem.

He cited the €3 million Gold for Good project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Coginta, as one of the initiatives designed to support Ghana’s response to the challenges associated with artisanal and small-scale mining.

“Gold for Good not only covers this research, but is part of a comprehensive engagement by the EU to partner with Ghana to help mitigate the immense challenge of illegal mining,” he said.

The EU representative also called for intensified public education on the long-term consequences of galamsey, particularly in communities where illegal mining provides immediate financial benefits and other forms of social support.

He observed that some mining communities were attracted to the practice because of the financial assistance, educational support and other benefits provided by individuals involved in mining activities.

He stressed the need for stakeholders to consider these social and economic factors when developing strategies to discourage communities from participating in illegal mining.

Meanwhile, Country Director of Coginta Ghana, Rev. Fr. Dr Clement Aapengnuo, called on the government to strengthen natural resource governance and address security concerns associated with artisanal and small-scale mining.

He particularly drew attention to security challenges linked to mining activities in northern Ghana, warning that poor management of natural resources could threaten peace and stability in affected communities.

Rev. Fr. Dr Aapengnuo stressed the importance of involving mining communities and traditional authorities in efforts to address illegal mining.

“Enforcement alone will not secure this border. Bringing mining within the law, with communities and traditional authorities as partners, will,” he said.