Although this approach to some extent was not so eco-friendly for ecosystems within these mining communities, it was necessary to reduce pollution and ensure public health safety for nearby communities. Recently, there has been a revolution of illegal small scale mining within famous gold mining towns and newly discovered locations where geological surveyors extrapolate the existence of gold. At the beginning of this environmental destruction revolution, it was associated with high rate of youth unemployment in Ghana. Before, responsible agencies and policy makers could counteract, illegal small scale mining was all over the country – not just within previously known gold mining areas.

There was a sudden increased Chinese migration to Ghana accompanied with foreign mechanical structures and large importation of excavators. These Chinese citizens had enough money to purchase cocoa farms, palm plantations, and other croplands to convert them into illegal gold mining sites. These operations were not registered as business entity and thus, their operations commence immediately they pay land owners (most often chiefs and farmers) an attractive sum of money.  Due to the large volumes of water used to wash the excavated soils in search for gold, lands situated closer to rivers were preferred.

The mining of gold and its associated trade, suddenly became the nation?s ?hot cake? source of employment for youth and even kids. This resulted in a severe environmental degradation. Nationwide, over 20 rivers serving as a source of drinking water has been rendered ecologically dead due to pollution resulting from illegal mining activities. In 2014, the Government of Ghana (GoG) commenced a campaign to halt these activities. Eventually, the campaign was successful and there was a drastic reduction in operations. However, owners and financiers of this illegal operations left their sites bare and polluted.  No rehabilitation law was enforced and now, there is huge mess to be taken care of by the government and responsible agencies.

I made a visit to Akrofuom, a suburb within of the Obuasi Township to carry out a preliminary survey which will assist me develop a suitable education programme for my series of public lecture (Scheduled for late February, 2016) which is proudly supported by Tunza Eco-generation and partnered by the Adansi South District Assembly.

It was a nice trip for me. Upon my arrival to the town, I was introduced to the town leaders, district and government representatives who accompanied me through the town. They drew my attention to the major environmental challenges (inadequate water supply, dead rivers and water bodies, open defecation, littering and improper disposal of waste) and behavior of the town folks which contributes these environmental problems – thus the need for education programs to aid in behavioral change.

In Akrofuom, small scale mining has caused lot more damage than benefits they gained through the gold mining business. Their major river which they depended on for domestic purposes and was treated and supplied as potable water, has been totally destroyed. The river is now stagnant and lifeless due to the destruction of its channels and excessive chemical pollution. (See attached images).

During my walk through the abandoned mining sites, I witness a number of huge mining pits which were uncovered and posing a huge risk to children who use such areas as pathway to school and also livestock. The town leaders attested to my assumption and told me about similar incidence where livestock have been found dead in such pits.

The most shocking of it all, was being told that some cocoa farmers sold their farmlands together with the cocoa trees to these miners. Although, the amount they offered to these farmers were huge, it cannot replace the damage they have caused to their water bodies and soils now. Currently, backyard farming is totally lost within the town due to pollution of soil. Now, it is obvious to the communities, the effects of uncontrolled mining and the consequences of neglecting environmental quality for economic gain.

At the end of the day, how will you spend the money you?ve acquired if you are not healthy? If you have no water to drink and food shortage? If your love ones cannot live freely in their communities because they lack basic environmental needs. Economic development is vital but we should always think of environmental quality before deciding how to make money out of nature.

Below are some images I personally took from the town.