Governance analyst and fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development, Ghana, Professor Osae Kwapong, has warned that growing youth frustration and economic hardship are contributing to resistance to efforts to end illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Prof. Kwapong explained that many young people engaged in galamsey see it as their only means of survival amid limited job opportunities and rising economic pressures.
“When you have a system where the youth feel displaced, when they feel the system is not looking out for them and they are facing major economic pinch points — yet getting some benefits from this perverse activity of galamsey — you can see why any attempt to stop it would be met with resistance,” he said.
He noted that while government security operations aim to clamp down on the illegal activity, such interventions often fail to address the underlying economic and social conditions driving young people into the sector.
Prof. Kwapong also cautioned that the prevailing sense of hopelessness among sections of the youth makes them vulnerable to manipulation by individuals seeking to exploit their frustrations.
“Anyone with malicious intent can easily mobilise them to engage in activities that may threaten the security of the communities in which they live,” he added.
His comments follow recent violent confrontations between state security personnel and illegal miners in Ahafo Hwidiem, where a police reinforcement team rescued nine soldiers from an angry mob after an anti-galamsey operation.
The incident has reignited debate about the sustainability of the government’s fight against illegal mining and the socio-economic factors that continue to fuel youth involvement.
Prof. Kwapong’s remarks add to a growing chorus of voices urging a more holistic approach to tackling galamsey — one that balances law enforcement with job creation, community engagement, and youth empowerment.
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