There have been significant attempts by both past and present governments to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in parts of the country.
While various efforts and measures have been introduced to address the issue, the fight appears far from over and may well continue under future administrations.
One of the key drivers of this persistent problem is likely the existence of numerous gold-buying shops that provide a ready market for illegally mined gold, creating continuous demand that fuels the practice.
In Wassa Akropong alone, GhanaWeb’s documentary team identified over seven gold-buying shops operating in the area.
In the documentary titled “The Gold Market That Fuels Gold,” most of the shops appeared eager and ready to buy gold from anyone who walked in.
There was no time taken, nor any apparent interest, in asking sellers whether their gold came from licensed sources.
The process was simple; hand over the gold and get paid.
Among the gold-buying shops GhanaWeb discovered were; China Market Gold Buying Agent, Amanone Gold Refinery, Champion Gold Refinery, Nyame Na Ayɛ Gold – High Price, Anane Gold Buying Agent, High Price Gold Refinery Base, Givers Never Lack Gold Buying Agent, among others.
If just one town in Ghana has this many gold-buying shops, how many more might exist in other regions?
The fight against illegal mining remains far from over, contrary to how it may sometimes appear and much more needs to be done, and not by the government alone.
It requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including local communities, traditional leaders, and regulatory bodies.
Watch the full documentary below
How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account
VKB/MA
