Outrage on social media over video showing ‘galamsey’ activity on beach

A video showing some young men operating makeshift gold mining setups directly on a beach shoreline has triggered widespread reactions, with many calling it a troubling sign of defiance to warnings against illegal mining also known as ‘galamsey’.

The 19-second video, shared on X and sighted by GhanaWeb on July 30, 2026, captures the workers digging sand and washing it with improvised sluices and buckets near the sea, with muddy water flowing through their setups as they hunt for traces of precious metal.

In the process, one of them behind the camera was heard saying, "Way3 sika" (To wit, it has become money) while the others responded.

Following this, some X users have reacted with disappointment, with strong calls for action.

Some expressed phrases like “Herh chale,” “Ei Mama Ghana 😤,” and “Sigh… smh,” while others warned of health risks from exposure.

While others criticised the government for failing to contain galamsey, other users also called for harsh measures like the 'shoot to kill' approach.

Watch the video below.

🇬🇭 Young Individuals Establish Makeshift Mining Operations Along Seashore, Dig and Wash Sand in Search of Gold. pic.twitter.com/wPP83GyEuR

— CDR AFRICA (@cdrafrica) July 30, 2026

And they’ll wonder why they’ll start dying early.

— Ley𝕏 (@mergelink) July 30, 2026

This government has failed the galamsay fight honestly

— Andrew (@andrew692633) July 30, 2026

Herh chale

— Wills ݁ᛪ༙ (@Willspwp) July 30, 2026

When we say sho0t and k!ll. You don't get it.

— patgrumpilot (@patgrumpilot) July 30, 2026

We need to k!ll them all

— David Ampah (@DavidAmpah4) July 30, 2026

Ei Mama Ghana 😤

— director berko 👑 (@DirectorBerko) July 30, 2026