Chris, an illegal miner in Ghana’s notorious galamsey sector, shared harrowing details of his experience, revealing the dangerous initiation practices, financial struggles, and life-threatening conditions that define the lives of many miners. The illegal mining trade, known as galamsey, is notorious for its destructive environmental impact, but the human cost often remains hidden. Chris’s story sheds light on the grim existence of those who endure these harsh realities daily.
The initiation process is both symbolic and binding. Chris explained that miners are “baptized” with water from the polluted mining pits, a practice that serves as a ritual to keep them tethered to the job. “They baptize us with the galawater… So we can’t stop the galamsey job. We only work for the sponsors, not for ourselves,” he revealed. This dangerous initiation not only cements their commitment to the perilous work but also underscores the exploitation they endure at the hands of their sponsors.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of the work, miners like Chris take home meager earnings. “We take home as little as 300 cedis per day after endangering our lives,” Chris lamented, pointing out that the expenses at galamsey sites are often exorbitant, with food costing more than in regular markets. Even the energy to keep going comes at a price, as miners rely heavily on energy drinks and, more disturbingly, drugs to endure the grueling conditions. “Our bosses bring the drugs on site to sell to us on credit, which is later deducted from our pay,” Chris said, exposing another layer of exploitation within the illegal mining industry.
Despite years of hard labor, Chris painfully admitted, “I can’t remember saving anything since.” The allure of quick money fades quickly in the face of mounting debts and deductions for food, drugs, and other necessities. The cycle of exploitation continues, leaving miners with little to show for their dangerous efforts.
But the financial hardships pale in comparison to the constant threat of death. The hazardous conditions at galamsey sites are notorious, with Chris sharing that he has witnessed more than 60 deaths during his time in the mines. “We know the business is a do-or-die issue, we have this in mind,” he said, accepting the grim reality that miners face daily. The job is fraught with accidents, collapsing tunnels, and exposure to toxic chemicals, making survival a matter of luck.
Beyond the physical dangers, the emotional toll of galamsey often wreaks havoc on miners’ personal lives. Chris shared how marriages and family relationships are strained due to the demanding nature of the work. Long hours, low pay, and the constant risk of death leave little room for family life. His own turning point came during a visit to his wife, when they struggled to find clean water to drink. “What made me change my mind not to engage in the business is because I’ve realized the damages it’s causing,” Chris confessed. It was then that he understood the true cost of his years in the illegal mining industry—not just to the environment, but to his own well-being and family.
Chris’s story paints a bleak picture of life as an illegal miner in Ghana. The promise of quick money quickly fades as miners like him endure dangerous conditions, financial instability, and fractured personal lives. Despite the allure of wealth, the reality is far more tragic—a life of exploitation, risk, and loss.
