PRESTEA-HUNI VALLEY, Ghana – At an unlicensed gold mine in Ghana, men without proper protective gear work dangerously to extract gold, while causing harm to their health and the environment. This informal sector, known as “galamsey”, is flourishing in Ghana, providing livelihoods but also leading to health hazards, water pollution, deforestation, and criminal activities. One miner, a 24-year-old accounting student, shared that he risks his life in these activities just to survive, emphasizing the dire economic circumstances that drive individuals into this dangerous work. Lack of safety equipment is prevalent at these sites, with miners resorting to makeshift measures like using plastic bags and other inadequate protection. The galamsey industry has thrived this year due to the surge in global gold prices, with small-scale mines producing a significant amount of gold. However, there are concerns that much of this gold is smuggled out of the country, depriving Ghana of potential export revenues and benefiting illicit trade. The consequences of galamsey are severe, with reports of deaths from mining accidents, respiratory diseases from inhaling toxic dust, and water contamination from mercury and other chemicals used in the extraction process. Illegal miners have also caused extensive damage to cocoa plantations and forests, further impacting local ecosystems. Efforts to curb galamsey have faced challenges, as political and economic interests are intertwined with the industry. Promises to address the issue have been made by successive governments, including crackdowns on illegal mining activities, but the underlying causes persist, including the involvement of organized crime groups and corruption. As Ghana grapples with the social, economic, and environmental costs of informal gold mining, there is a growing call for stronger enforcement of regulations, transparency in the supply chain, and accountability among those involved in the industry. The upcoming general election in Ghana is expected to highlight galamsey as a key issue, with candidates vowing to address the challenges posed by the informal mining sector. However, meaningful progress will require a concerted effort to tackle the root causes of illegal mining and ensure sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the well-being of the people and the environment.