Golden Redemption Initiative
“Responsible Mining, Restoring Nature”
The Golden Redemption Initiative by GRACE addresses the devastating impacts of illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana. This project targets polluted water bodies, degraded lands, deforestation, and disrupted wetlands by promoting eco-friendly small-scale mining techniques, restoring ecosystems through bioremediation and sustainable land management, and empowering communities with alternative livelihoods. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, GRACE seeks to build a sustainable balance between economic growth and environmental preservation.
Illegal mining (galamsey) has become a major environmental and social issue in Ghana, severely impacting natural ecosystems and communities. Polluted water bodies, degraded lands, and disappearing wetlands threaten biodiversity, agriculture, and public health.
Water Pollution: Mercury, cyanide, and heavy metals used in mining have contaminated vital rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, reducing water quality for over 4.5 million residents reliant on these sources for drinking water.
Land Degradation: Illegal mining has stripped fertile lands of nutrients, leaving over 100,000 hectares of arable land unproductive between 2018 and 2023.
Deforestation: Mining activities have contributed to the annual loss of over 2% of Ghana’s forest cover, exacerbating climate vulnerabilities.
Wetland Disruption: Vital wetlands, such as the Ramsar sites, have seen increased exploitation, leading to reduced flood control and loss of critical wildlife habitats.
Mercury, cyanide, and heavy metals used in mining have contaminated vital rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, reducing water quality for over 4.5 million residents reliant on these sources for drinking water
Source: Water Research Institute (2023): Mercury pollution in Ghanaian rivers
Five-Year Data Highlights and Why it is Crucial
Water Pollution:
Rivers like Ankobra and Offin have recorded mercury levels 10–50 times above WHO safety standards, leading to increased cases of waterborne diseases (WHO, 2022).
Fish populations in affected rivers have declined by 35%, threatening food security for local communities (FAO, 2023).
We are poisoning ourselves': Ghana gold rush sparks environmental disaster by Mark Wilberforce & Favour Nunoo. BBC, 20 October 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn9dn8xq92jo. Accessed February 22, 2025.
Deforestation:
Between 2018 and 2023, Ghana lost approximately 500,000 hectares of forest due to mining activities, reducing carbon sequestration by 20% annually (Global Forest Watch, 2023).
Economic Losses:
Environmental degradation from galamsey costs Ghana up to $250 million annually, affecting agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors (World Bank, 2023).
Health Impacts:
Communities near galamsey sites have reported a 40% rise in cases of respiratory illnesses and skin diseases linked to mining pollutants (Ghana Health Service, 2023).
Livelihood Disruption:
Over 50,000 farmers have been displaced from their lands due to mining activities, increasing poverty rates in rural areas by 15% (UNDP, 2023).
Communities near galamsey sites have reported a 40% rise in cases of respiratory illnesses and skin diseases linked to mining pollutants
Source: Ghana Health Service (2023):Health impacts of mining pollutants
Our vision for this initiative
Environmental Restoration:
Purify at least 25% of polluted rivers in mining zones using bioremediation within five years.
Restore 1000 hectares of degraded lands and rehabilitate deforested areas with native plant species.
Economic Revitalization:
Empower 5,000 small-scale miners with sustainable techniques, boosting long-term incomes by 30%.
Introduce alternative livelihoods for 10,000 community members, reducing dependency on mining activities.
Health and Safety:
Reduce waterborne diseases in mining communities by 40% through improved water quality and public health education.
Climate Resilience:
Increase carbon sequestration through reforestation, contributing to Ghana’s climate mitigation targets.
Every Step Forward: The Journey So Far
Featured Campaigns
“Responsible Mining, Restoring Nature”
Golden Redemption Initiative
The Golden Redemption Initiative by GRACE addresses the devastating impacts of illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana. This project targets polluted water bodies, degraded lands, deforestation, and disrupted wetlands by promoting eco-friendly small-scale mining techniques, restoring ecosystems through bioremediation and sustainable land management, and empowering communities with alternative livelihoods. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, GRACE seeks to build a sustainable balance between economic growth and environmental preservation.