Author: Maxwell Akalaare Adombila

Uncovering Organised Crime in Ghana’s Galamsey Industry With the upcoming general election, galamsey has emerged as a top concern for voters in Ghana. The leading presidential candidates, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and former president John Mahama, have promised to address the issue by formalising small-scale gold mining. However, experts note that the deep-rooted problem persists due to influential figures benefitting from the industry. Chris Aston, involved in a British program regulating small-scale mining, highlighted the susceptibility of artisanal miners to organised crime gangs. These groups provide financing for equipment, enforcing miners to sell the gold back at reduced rates. This system…