In recent years, the issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” has become a focal point in Ghana’s socio-political landscape. While contributing to local economies, this practice has also led to significant environmental degradation and social upheaval.
As the debate around galamsey intensifies, musicians in Ghana have taken to their craft to raise awareness, provoke thought, and stimulate action. However, the question arises: is creating songs about galamsey sufficient to address the underlying issues?
While it provides livelihoods for many, particularly in rural areas, it has devastating environmental effects, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation. The practice has also led to conflicts over land use and has been linked to various health issues due to the use of harmful chemicals like mercury.
Music has always been a powerful tool for social change. In Ghana, songs have been used to address various social issues, from political corruption to health crises.
In the context of galamsey, musicians have produced tracks highlighting the environmental impacts, the struggles of communities affected by mining, and the need for sustainable practices.
‘Kwaku Ananse’ hitmaker, Amerado, asserted that even though musicians are influential in causing social change, it takes more than songs to curb illegal mining in Ghana. He noted that someone with power must take the responsibility of making sure the menace, popularly known as galamsey, is stopped.
According to him, some musicians have done songs on galamsey but effecting the desired change should come from the leaders of the country.
“Doing music about galamsey will only create awareness but who is taking the action for us to be able to stop the galamsey? We can do the songs, and the songs can travel all over the world but who is taking the action? Who is in charge of making sure that all these things are stopped?”
Amerado
Several Ghanaian artists have released songs addressing galamsey. For instance, high-profile musicians like Shatta Wale and Sarkodie have incorporated themes of galamsey in their lyrics, using their platforms to reach a broad audience.
These songs often blend traditional Ghanaian sounds with contemporary beats, making them appealing to listeners while delivering critical messages.
While music plays a vital role in raising awareness, it is not a panacea for the complex issues surrounding galamsey. Songs raise awareness temporarily, but they often do not lead to long-lasting change. The catchy nature of music creates buzz, but without accompanying action, the impact fades.
Listeners interpret the messages in varied ways, leading to misunderstandings about the issues at hand. Some romanticize galamsey as a means of survival without recognizing its broader implications.
Focusing solely on musical advocacy overshadows other essential solutions, such as education on sustainable mining practices, community engagement, and investment in alternative livelihoods.
Need for Comprehensive Solutions
Beyond music, educational programs should be implemented to inform communities about the dangers of illegal mining and promote sustainable practices. The government must enforce existing laws, regulate small-scale mining, and create policies that encourage legal mining practices.
Involving local communities in decision-making processes regarding land use and mining leads to more sustainable practices and reduces conflict.
Aside from music for addressing galamsey menace, Ghanaian actor, Adjetey Anang popularly known as Pusher, highlighted the impact of storytelling in addressing societal ills like illegal mining.
The ‘Things We Do for Love’ actor said they wield so much power that can be channeled through their craft than embark on protests.
“We’ve learned to do that so well in the stories that we tell and so now and then if you watch our productions we have adaptations of them, we change certain lines.
“We inject some of these things for the audience to know that we can have entertainment and fun but serious issues are going on there and have to pay attention so we can craft that well in the stories that we tell and that’s the best and I think that that’s where we should be heard loudly that hitting the streets.”
Adjetey Anang
While songs about galamsey serve as an important tool for raising awareness and sparking conversation, they are not enough on their own to address the complex issues surrounding illegal mining in Ghana.
Musicians play a vital role in this process, but their contributions should be part of a broader strategy that involves all stakeholders in the fight against the detrimental effects of galamsey. Only through collective action, Ghana hopes to find a sustainable path forward in the mining sector.
READ ALSO: Galamsey Scourge: A Nation on the Brink of Collapse, Selorm Branttie Warns
