Senyo Hosi, convenor of the One Ghana Movement, warned that the economic dependence on illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, is eroding community resistance to the activity. He said businesses and households in mining communities benefit from the spending generated by galamsey operators, creating a level of social tolerance despite the environmental damage and loss of lives associated with the activity.
Speaking to Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, September 30, Hosi questioned why there has been little public outrage in communities where people have died in mining‑related incidents. “They tolerate it. I don’t think there’s meaningful will on the part of the local community. But what’s even worse is this: People die in these communities. Have you seen a major outrage from any community?” he asked.
Hosi explained that galamsey operators have become embedded in local economies, with communities depending on the spending generated by the activity. “Now, these guys are operating in these communities. The communities depend on them. The livelihood of the entire community is driven by their own spending,” he said.
He added that this economic dependence creates social tolerance, which can ultimately influence political decisions on galamsey. “That social tolerance is what creates the political consequence. Now, the economic tolerance is what facilitates the social tolerance and eventually leads to the political tolerance,” Hosi said.
Hosi warned that politicians may face resistance when attempting to clamp down on illegal mining in communities where residents depend on the activity for their livelihoods. “When the people on the ground say no, politicians can’t say yes because they need the votes,” he said.
