In the midst of Ghana’s uphill battle against illegal mining, or ‘galamsey,’ the farming community of Jema in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region has taken a decisive stand by banning the practice entirely.
This bold action, coming at a time when many believe the fight against galamsey is being lost, offers a glimmer of hope for environmental protection across the country.
A visit to Jema one will be greeted at the entrance of the community by a signpost with the inscription “No prospecting/mining on Jema lands. Trespassers do so at their own risk.”
While neighboring communities—Ngakain, Asemkrom, Boinso, Omanpe, and Kwawu—continue to struggle with the devastating effects of illegal mining, including polluted rivers, Jema has remained resolute, with their forest reserves and two streams very clean and drinkable.
In a striking show of integrity, the Chief of Jema had turned down bribe worth billions of cedis and a trip to South Africa, both offered in an attempt to secure mining rights on Jema land.
The Chief’s refusal highlights the community’s firm commitment to keeping their lands free from the clutches of galamsey.
To formalize their resistance, Jema has established the Jema Anti-Galamsey Advocates (JAGA), a local organization dedicated to preserving their lands and ensuring illegal mining has no foothold in the area.
Rev. Father Joseph Blay, a leading figure in the anti-galamsey movement in Jema, has voiced his deep concern over the destruction of fertile land caused by the quest for gold.
“It takes a wicked generation to devastate its land,” he said, “because that generation does not want the nation to live and benefit others.”
Rev. Blay also recounts that, the fight against galamsey, commenced in 2015 when a group of five young men from Jema went to dig in the reserved forest in prospects for gold, upon hearing the incident rushed to halt their operation and commenced sensitizing the community on the effect of galamsey.and this has been followed with lots of arrest including Chinese nationals who wanted to embark on galamsey activities in Jema.
To sustain the fight against galamsey on Jema land Rev Father Frederick Blay believes that JAGA holds the magic wand, as a CSO “to use the Ghanaian laws to fight any form of galamsey on Jema land”.
He added that JAGA plans to collaborate with environmental organizations to explore sustainable development opportunities that will benefit Jema while safeguarding its natural resources.
Rev Father Blay, further opined that government should develop an environmental stewardship, curriculum for all levels of school to educate the young ones.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Aowin praised the people of Jema for their strong resolve in the fight against illegal mining as it falls in line with the Akufo-Addo government’s quest to stop galamsey
He pledged his support for JAGA and emphasized that residents have the legal authority to arrest anyone attempting to engage in galamsey on Jema lands.
The youth of Jema, many of whom rely on farming and motorcycle transport (okada) for their livelihoods, have also thrown their weight behind the anti-galamsey movement.
However, they are urging the government to create more employment opportunities to ensure the long-term sustainability of their resistance and prevent illegal mining from becoming an economic necessity.
