The galamseyers’ regret: From digging gold to seeking forgiveness

They once dug deep into the earth for gold. Now, they seek peace for their communities, environment, and hearts.

Across Ghana's universities, young men who were illegal miners share a new story. It is not about riches or success. Instead, it tells of pain, regret, and a desire to make things right.

Yaw Attah (pseudonym), a 24-year-old student, lost both parents on October 14, 2016. They supported his education. After their death, his life changed dramatically.

“I had nobody to take care of me,” Yaw said. “I had to find something to do… that’s why I went into galamsey.”

With no support available, Yaw turned to illegal mining for survival.

For years, he worked in dangerous mining sites with others. The money helped them survive by paying for food and school fees. However, it harmed Ghana’s rivers and forests.

“I know galamsey destroys our water bodies and forests,” Yaw said. “I just wanted to support my education. But today, I feel pain.”

He reflects on how his journey to school was funded by activities that harmed the environment and lives. Many friends died under tragic circumstances while working in galamsey.

“In those years of galamsey involvement,” Yaw shared sadly, “many friends lost their lives.” Some fell into drug abuse or ended up in child trafficking or prostitution.

A call for forgiveness and a fresh start follows this painful reflection.

“I deeply regret going into galamsey,” Yaw admitted. “When I think about what we did at those sites, I feel sad.” He worries about future generations lacking clean water or farmland due to their actions.

Now he wants to speak out against illegal mining and guide youth toward better choices.

“If given the chance,” he said, “I’ll return to those communities and ask for forgiveness.” He aims to tell young people there are other paths besides galamsey.

Yaw hopes to use his education to help others still trapped in illegal mining. However, he faces challenges in completing his studies due to financial issues.

“I need help staying in school,” he expressed. He aspires to be a different kind of miner—one who digs for truth and justice instead of gold.

Yaw is not alone in this journey. Kojo Majeed (not his real name), a 27-year-old engineering student also shares his experience with galamsey's dangers beyond environmental harm—human lives were lost too.

“I can count about 30 friends who died because of illegal mining,” Kojo revealed softly when asked if he regrets being part of it all.

“Yes, I regret,” he affirmed without hesitation. He explained how weather patterns have changed due to environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities.

Kojo believes that illegal mining has significantly impacted Ghana's changing weather patterns but wants action taken now rather than just regret expressed.

“Yes, I will do something against galamsey,” Kojo stated firmly. He plans to encourage younger generations not to repeat past mistakes because of the damage caused by such activities.

Now focused on rebuilding trees and trust within communities, Kojo aims for restoration efforts alongside Yaw’s vision for change through education and awareness campaigns among peers at universities across Ghana.

Both students acknowledge that some colleagues are eager to help correct past wrongs as well but understand they cannot erase the damage done entirely; however they can prevent others from making similar mistakes moving forward together as one voice united towards positive change through environmental campaigns aimed at educating peers about these issues effectively over time.