The long-standing discussions surrounding Ghana's illegal mining, commonly known as 'galamsey,' have primarily centered on the severe destruction of land and, more recently, the widespread desecration of major water bodies due to the deployment of heavy equipment like excavators. However, a recent investigation by GhanaWeb has unearthed an even more alarming facet of this menace in Wassa Akropong, a community in Ghana's Western Region notorious for galamsey activities. This investigation reveals a pervasive market of over 100 gold-buying shops in Wassa Akropong, which are silently yet significantly fueling the continuous illegal extraction of gold.

This proliferation of gold-buying establishments creates a powerful incentive, encouraging young men and women to persistently return to the earth to dig for gold. GhanaWeb views this market as a more disturbing element than the physical environmental destruction, as it directly drives the motivation behind the illegal mining operations. The comprehensive details of this investigative documentary, which promises to expose the full extent of this issue, are scheduled to premiere on GhanaWeb on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Furthermore, the documentary will delve into the intricate roles played by women, both young and old, in what the investigation terms as 'worrying environmental terrorism.' This upcoming feature is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the complex ecosystem that supports the galamsey menace, extending beyond the immediate act of digging to the underlying economic drivers that perpetuate the environmental damage.