Visiting a Galamsey Site in the Western Region of Ghana: An Eye-Opening Experience
In January 2021, I visited a galamsey site in the Western Region of Ghana, and the experience was both eye-opening and alarming. Galamsey, a term derived from the phrase "gather them and sell," refers to illegal small-scale mining activities that have been wreaking havoc on the environment and local communities.
The environmental destruction caused by galamsey is extensive, with alluvial gold extraction leading to severe land degradation and contamination of vital water bodies like the Pra, Ankobra, Offin, Birim, and Tano rivers. This pollution has significant health implications for local communities, as highlighted by the Ghana Water Company Limited, which notes challenges in providing clean drinking water. Additionally, farming is severely impacted due to the destruction of valuable tree crops, threatening food security and disrupting natural ecosystems.
Galamsey activities have also devastated long-preserved ecosystems and wildlife habitats, endangering biodiversity and local wildlife. The resulting alterations in rainfall patterns exacerbate these issues, negatively impacting crop yields, accelerating climate change, and disturbing the balance of natural ecosystems. These environmental shifts significantly impede irrigation, jeopardizing the future of agriculture. Health risks from contaminated water are particularly concerning, with increased rates of birth abnormalities, infant mortality, and long-term diseases reported by the Ghana Health Service. Growing protests against galamsey across the country reflect a national awareness of these urgent issues, calling for immediate action to protect environmental health and ensure food security.
Morgan Stanley's Sustainable Solutions Collaborative has a crucial role in this context. I firmly believe that by harnessing innovative technologies and finance, the Collaborative can spearhead impactful initiatives that effectively mitigate the detrimental effects of galamsey. Their commitment to sustainable practices enables them to engage with diverse stakeholders, promoting a holistic approach to environmental restoration and community health. As Jessica Alsford, Morgan Stanley Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized, “To tackle complex sustainability challenges, we need to advance innovative systemic solutions.” I am confident that their collaboration with organizations like the United Nations Support for Sustainable Development and Climate Action, Arizona State University, and the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) can foster a multi-stakeholder approach essential for tackling these pressing issues.
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