From glitter to graves: Blessed doom of gold mining in Ghana

For centuries, gold has glittered in Ghana’s soil, blessing us with wealth yet cursing us with wounds.

From ancient kingdoms to the modern Republic, it built empires and fuelled trade, earning us the name “The Gold Coast.”

But beneath the shine lies ruin: poisoned rivers, barren lands, shattered homes, and now, the graves of our heroes.

Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, slain in 2017 while confronting illegal miners, became a symbol of courage.

Today, eight more gallant officers join him in eternal rest, having fallen in the Sikaman forest defending Ghana from the same scourge. 

Their blood tells us plainly: illegal mining is not merely an environmental crime, it is an attack on our sovereignty, our people and our future.

If we truly value their sacrifice, we must act.

Enforce our laws without compromise.

Dismantle illegal mining networks.

Restore the lands we have defiled.

Create livelihoods that make destruction unnecessary.

This is not the duty of government alone; it is the charge of every Ghanaian.

Let their blood be the seed of a national awakening, choosing life, dignity and stewardship over greed.

May their memories shine brighter than gold. Rest in perfect peace, our heroes.

Your fight lives on in us.

Ema Dari,
Geography Department,
Our Lady of Grace SHS.
E-mail: ema.dari@outlook.com