A viral video has stirred outrage as an illegal miner, known as a Galamseyers, alleges that military personnel are accepting bribes—termed “chop money”—to allow illegal mining activities to continue.
In the footage, the miner identifies two soldiers in uniform, claiming they solicited payments in exchange for permitting operations that the government has publicly vowed to end.
“We’re on-site; two soldiers just came for ‘chop money’ and are leaving. You said you would stop galamsey,” the miner states.
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This troubling finding suggests that some security forces meant to combat illegal mining may be accepting large bribes, contributing to the ongoing environmental damage in the country.
Illegal mining operations have escalated dramatically, evolving from small-scale artisanal practices into extensive and often violent enterprises. These activities pose significant threats to public health, environmental sustainability, and the livelihoods of countless citizens.
Despite government assurances to address the crisis, illegal mining persists. Reports indicate severe damage to vital water bodies, with toxic practices associated with galamsey leading to devastating consequences.
Rivers such as the Ankobra have become heavily polluted, disrupting local fishing; the Birim River has turned brown and is deemed unsafe for consumption; and the Pra River has suffered contamination from harmful substances like mercury and sediment.
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In response to the government’s handling of this issue, protests organized by the civil society group Democracy Hub have emerged in Accra, resulting in about 42 arrests.
Activists are now demanding the release of 53 anti-galamsey protesters detained during the demonstrations.
A three-day protest commenced on October 3, 2024, organized by FreeTheCitizens and SayNoToGalamsey, aiming to raise awareness about the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
Watch the video below;
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