Galamsey menace is a 'tough fight' fueled by youth unemployment – Kyebi Kyeidomhene to Nketiah

The deeply entrenched menace of illegal small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey, remains a “tough fight” in Ghana, largely driven by high youth unemployment.

This concern was highlighted by Bɛrima Bosompɛm III, the Kyeidomhene of Akyem Kyebi in the Abuakwa Traditional Area, during an interaction with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, on his thank-you tour of the Eastern Region.

Speaking at Akyem Asiakwa in the Abuakwa South Constituency, Bɛrima Bosompɛm III stressed that the worsening galamsey situation, which has polluted many of Ghana’s vital water bodies, is deeply connected to the lack of job opportunities for young people.

“This fight will not be easy,” he said, “because our young people have no jobs. Their desperation fuels their involvement in galamsey.”

The chief lamented that despite numerous government interventions, illegal mining continues to thrive, leaving behind a trail of environmental destruction.

Rivers and streams have been heavily contaminated with mercury and other toxic substances, endangering public health and reducing agricultural productivity.

Chairman Asiedu Nketia, who is touring the region to engage with party supporters and stakeholders, acknowledged the chief’s concerns.

He noted that the NDC has consistently criticised the past government’s handling of the galamsey menace, describing it as both an environmental disaster and a governance failure.

The exchange between the traditional leader and the NDC chairman sheds light on the deeper socio-economic roots of the galamsey crisis.

With unemployment pushing many young people into illegal mining, the chief’s message underscores the urgent need for sustainable job creation and alternative livelihoods.

He emphasised that without tackling these root causes, enforcement measures alone will not end the galamsey scourge.