Stakeholders within the environmental sector have called for urgent, collective action to shield children and youth from the growing threat of illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey.
The call was made during a high-level seminar organized by Compassion International Ghana (CIGH), held under the theme: “The Impact of Illegal Mining on Children and Youth Development in Ghana – The Role of Stakeholders.”
The event formed part of CIGH’s Thriving Child Seminar Series, a quarterly dialogue platform focused on child and youth development.
Kobina Yeboah Okyere, National Director of Compassion International Ghana, stressed the need for a collaborative approach to tackling the menace of illegal mining and its devastating effects on children.
“We know there have been many calls on government to take more proactive steps to address this issue, but it calls for a multi-stakeholder approach and intervention to ensure we’re really tackling these issues head-on,” he said on June 17, 2025.
Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, highlighted the erosion of values in communities affected by illegal mining, stating that the growing acceptance of galamsey as a source of quick income—even among children—is dangerous.
“Yes, people make money from it, but that does not justify glorifying an illegal act,” he cautioned. “If we continue this way, societal collapse is inevitable. We must reinforce boundaries and teach children right from wrong.”
Veteran environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor lamented the lack of political will to combat illegal mining, stating bluntly, “Ghana is not ready to fight galamsey. The state’s failure to act decisively reflects a lack of commitment.”
Adding his voice, Very Rev. Emmanuel Forkuo, a Methodist Church pastor from Kyere, expressed deep concern over the failure of law enforcement agencies.
“The church is praying and fasting, but those mandated to uphold the law are failing us. Soldiers and police sent to galamsey sites often return compromised.”
Fafanyo Kukubor, Senior Legal Officer at the Minerals Commission, defended the agency’s efforts, highlighting the Child Labour Eradication Framework (CLEF) introduced in 2023.
“This policy is aimed at eliminating child involvement in mining. In areas like Adansi North, community members have become vigilant, removing children from pits and enforcing bylaws and curfews. This is proof that local ownership of solutions works.”
Abena Aprekua Badu-Aboagye, Head of Programs and Projects at the Department of Children, called for increased funding for social welfare departments at the district level.
“Our social workers are overburdened and under-resourced,” she said. “We must empower them to ensure children are in school and not in hazardous work environments like mining sites.”
She also emphasized that workplace inspections must be strengthened to enforce child protection laws.
This particular edition marked a flagship event in celebration of the organization’s 20th anniversary and was also tied to this year’s Day of the African Child, commemorated on June 16, 2025.
As part of the seminar, Compassion International Ghana launched its Environmental Stewardship and Creation Care Report, which underscores the organization’s commitment to sustainable development and child protection in the face of environmental threats.
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