Empowering Youth to transition from galamsey to entrepreneurship. Seth Ntim Agyarko.

In recent years, galamsey (illegal small scale mining) has pulled thousands of Ghanaian adolescents into a dangerous line of work, driven by economic hardship and lack of viable alternatives.

While galamsey may provide instant financial advantage, long term consequences, environmental degradation, health problems and legal risks are severe.

But there is hope, with the right coaching, tools and incentive, the same enthusiasm and determination that the youth bring to galamsey may be channelled into entrepreneurship, producing a more sustainable and legally sound income.

Galamsey is a high risk, low reward business that frequently produces negative social, health and environmental consequences.

Youth engaging in galamsey are exposed to toxic compounds such as mercury which can lead to long term effects.

Furthermore, the environmental damage, deforestation, soil erosion and water contamination endangers the very land that communities rely on for agriculture and clean water.

Many skills developed in galamsey operations can be used in legal, formal company undertakings.

Working in the mining industry for example requires physical endurance, problem solving skills and a basic understanding of logistics.

These talents he said can be used to do business in agriculture, construction, transportation and other industries.

The youth can build on their resilience and work ethics by learning how to manage resources, overcome risks and persue long term advancement in legal sectors.

Given the considerable damage caused by galamsey to local farmlands, the youth could participate in agribusiness by producing crops, rearing animals or using poultry.

The transition from galamsey to entrepreneurship is difficult,but it is critical for the long term well being of Ghana’s youth and the country’s future.