My Income as a Galamseyer Was More Than Twice My Current Salary – Former Illegal Miner

Kumi Christopher, a former illegal miner, has shed light on the significant income disparity between galamsey and other forms of work, revealing why many Ghanaians are reluctant to abandon the illegal practice.

Reflecting on his time in small-scale mining, he noted that no other job could match the earnings from galamsey.

During an appearance on Opemsuo Radio’s Nkwantannanso with Kofi Boakye, Kumi, who started mining in 2011, he explained that financial survival was the primary motivation for his involvement in galamsey.

The earnings from mining, even on less successful days, far exceeded what he now makes in other work, making it difficult for many to quit the practice despite its environmental and legal consequences.

“Even on bad days, I could earn 100 cedis from mining, while now, I make only 40 cedis a day,” he said.

Although Kumi has recently stepped away from galamsey, he shared that he continues to receive offers to return.

Kumi also shed light on the challenges posed by Chinese miners, who had better machinery and were often backed by local chiefs and politicians.

“We stood up against them, but we had to let it go when we realised they had powerful support.”

Meanwhile, several groups have criticized the government for failing to address the galamsey menace.

Organised Labour issued an 18-day ultimatum to the President, demanding the declaration of a state of emergency or facing their backlash.

In addition, a group of clergymen have called for a temporary ban on all forms of small-scale mining activities in the country while a permanent solution to this issue is sought.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso