Accra, Ghana – Hundreds of Ghanaians took to the streets of Accra on September 22, 2025, to protest the environmental and health impacts of illegal small-scale gold mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Organized by the youth-led FixTheCountry movement, the WalkTheTalk march began at Spanner Junction and proceeded to Jubilee House, where participants called on the government to enforce stronger measures to curb galamsey activities.
Rivers Polluted, Communities Affected
Protesters highlighted the severe consequences of galamsey on Ghana’s water and food sources. Rivers such as the Ayensu have been heavily polluted, forcing the shutdown of the Kwanyako Water Treatment Plant and leaving residents in 11 districts without access to potable water.
Environmentalists participating in the march also warned that contamination with mercury and cyanide poses long-term risks, including cancer and birth defects, especially in communities reliant on contaminated water and crops.
Criticism of Government Response
Opposition parties criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for failing to fulfill anti-galamsey promises made during the 2024 general elections, noting that illegal mining has reportedly intensified since January 2025.
Speakers at the protest urged the government to hold mining operators accountable, implement sustainable oversight, and prioritize the protection of water bodies and public health.
The demonstration reflects growing public frustration over environmental degradation and health hazards caused by unregulated mining activities, as citizens call for urgent government intervention.
Source – My News Ghana
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