Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Addressing Illegal Mining in Ghana

Today, I’ll introduce the concept of the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the SDGs.

These are a set of 17 interconnected global goals established by the United Nations in 2015, designed to address the most pressing challenges facing the world, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation, with the target for achievement by 2030.

SDG 1 (No Poverty)

While some miners engage in galamsey to escape poverty, it often creates long-term economic instability. Damaged land and polluted water hurt agriculture and local economies.

SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

Toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide from illegal mining pollute water and soil, leading to health issues like respiratory diseases and waterborne illnesses.

SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)

Rivers like River Pra are severely contaminated, making clean water for drinking and sanitation scarce for surrounding communities.

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

While galamsey provides short-term jobs, it operates in unsafe conditions, lacks proper regulations, and damages sectors like agriculture and tourism, hindering sustainable economic growth.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Illegal mining can lead to displacement of communities, especially those living in rural and mining areas. As galamsey activities degrade land and pollute water sources, affected communities often lose access to clean water, food, and livelihoods, forcing them to relocate or live in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. This undermines efforts to create sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities and communities.

SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

Illegal mining leads to unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, especially gold and other minerals. It promotes practices that waste resources, pollute ecosystems, and fail to consider the long-term environmental and social impacts. These activities violate the principles of sustainable production, which call for reducing waste, using natural resources efficiently, and minimizing environmental harm.

SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Deforestation and land degradation from illegal mining contribute to environmental changes, worsening the effects of climate change such as flooding and loss of biodiversity.

SDG 15 (Life on Land)

This goal aims to sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. However, illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey” in Ghana, poses a serious threat to the environment, undermining this very objective.

SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)

Weak governance and corruption often enable illegal mining. Addressing this issue requires stronger institutions, transparent governance, and enforcing laws against illegal activities.

The Issue: Illegal Mining in Ghana

Illegal mining has become a major environmental hazard in Ghana. It involves unregulated and unsustainable mining practices, which cause extensive damage to forests, farmland, and water bodies. One of the most visible consequences is the decolorization of River Pra—a river that once provided clean water to local communities. Due to the activities of illegal miners, the river is now contaminated with toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, leaving it visibly murky and unsuitable for drinking or agricultural purposes.

This not only threatens SDG 15 but also undermines SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water for all.

The Severity and My Perspective

The devastation caused by illegal mining goes beyond environmental degradation—it affects food security, public health, and livelihoods. Communities living near affected areas have seen their farmlands destroyed and are left struggling to access safe water for daily use.

In my opinion, one possible solution is to strengthen the enforcement of mining regulations by increasing government oversight and incorporating technological solutions such as satellite monitoring to track illegal mining activities in real-time. Additionally, offering sustainable alternatives to local miners, such as introducing formal, environmentally friendly mining practices, could help curb the destructive effects while ensuring people still have the means to make a living.

We all have a role to play in preserving our environment, and addressing illegal mining is critical for Ghana’s sustainable development. Thank you!