VIDEO: Journalist Berla Mundi Goes Viral After Exposing Nana Akufo-Addo's Complicity In Galamsey (Illegal Mining); These Visuals Will Trigger You

Galamsey, derived from the phrase “gather them and sell,” is a term used in Ghana to describe illegal small-scale gold mining. Those involved in this practice are known as galamseyers, or *orpailleurs* in neighboring Francophone countries. These miners operate independently, often digging small pits, tunnels, and sluices by hand. Galamsey, also referred to as Illegal Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (IASM), has become a significant issue in Ghana, causing widespread environmental degradation and health problems.

Since Nana Akufo-Addo assumed the presidency in January 2017, following John Dramani Mahama, concerns about illegal mining have escalated. Towards the end of Mahama’s tenure, anxiety about the devastating effects of galamsey reached a peak, with videos and images of polluted and discolored water bodies circulating widely. The environmental damage caused by galamsey has led to severe health issues, including kidney problems and birth defects, as well as the tragic deaths of young children who have drowned or been poisoned in abandoned mining pits.