The European Union has cautioned that illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, is eroding its development aid in Ghana, especially in sustainable agriculture, water sanitation, security and forest protection.
Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Ghana, Jonas Claes, said the destructive effects of illegal mining were frustrating the bloc’s efforts to support development in these critical sectors. Speaking at the public launch of three Gold for Good baseline studies, Mr Claes explained that the EU had stepped up its engagement in the fight against illegal mining after previously considering the issue politically risky and complex.
“Three to four years ago, the European Union did not have any engagement in this field. It was considered politically risky, too complex a problem. However, illegal mining is not only detrimental to the people of Ghana, but it also directly undermines EU interests and the EU‑Ghana partnership,” he said.
He added that the EU commits substantial funding to sustainable agriculture, water sanitation, security and reforestation, but these investments are being threatened by illegal mining activities. “The EU spends sizeable programming funds towards sustainable agriculture, water sanitation, security and reforestation, all of which are gravely undermined by illegal mining practices,” he noted.
Mr Claes highlighted the €3 million Gold for Good project, funded by the bloc and implemented by Coginta, as part of a broader partnership with Ghana to tackle the challenges associated with illegal mining.
The EU also called for intensified public education on the long‑term consequences of galamsey, noting that the immediate financial and social benefits offered in mining communities make the practice attractive to some residents. The bloc said these short‑term incentives, including financial support, education and other services, must be considered in efforts to discourage communities from engaging in illegal mining.
For his part, Country Director of Coginta Ghana, Rev. Fr. Dr Clement Aapengnuo, urged the government to strengthen natural resource governance and address security risks associated with artisanal and small‑scale mining. He particularly called for attention to the security challenges linked to mining activities in northern Ghana, warning that effective management of natural resources was essential to safeguarding sustainable peace. Rev. Fr. Dr Aapengnuo said decisions on how natural resources are managed have far‑reaching implications for local development, livelihoods and social cohesion.
As the EU ramps up its support, Ghana’s government and local communities will need to balance the short‑term lure of illegal mining with the long‑term benefits of sustainable development projects.
