Illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, have taken a new turn in Ghana, posing a significant threat to the country’s gas infrastructure. The Vice President of Genser Energy’s Natural Gas Pipeline division, Henry Abeiku Oppong, has raised alarm over the growing danger galamsey operations pose to the company’s infrastructure, particularly in the Western and Ashanti Regions.
The Extent of the Threat
Genser Energy has identified 15 communities where galamsey activities are dangerously close to pipeline corridors, resulting in damaged communication cables and disrupted operations. Oppong disclosed this information during the KNUST-Genser seminar held on July 31, 2025, themed “Fueling Ghana’s Future: Engineering Excellence in Natural Gas Infrastructure Development”.
Mitigation Efforts
To address the threat, Genser Energy has intensified its monitoring efforts, conducting daily patrols along pipeline routes, employing local youth as community monitors, and utilizing drone technology for aerial surveillance of vulnerable areas. The company is also engaging with local communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal mining near gas pipelines .
Broader Implications
The unchecked expansion of galamsey not only poses an immediate threat to Genser Energy’s infrastructure but also has broader implications for Ghana’s energy security and industrialization goals. The destruction of pipelines and communication cables can lead to significant economic losses and disruptions in gas supply, ultimately hindering the nation’s progress.
A Growing Concern
This development is the latest in a series of environmental and health concerns raised by Galamsey activities in Ghana. The Paediatric Society of Ghana has warned that the country may soon face a water importation crisis if Galamsey is not stopped, citing the destruction of water bodies and food contamination as significant threats to the health and well-being of Ghana’s children and communities .
Call to Action
Stakeholders, including politicians, are being urged to take immediate action to combat the Galamsey menace. The situation demands a collective effort to protect Ghana’s natural resources and infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable future for the country and its citizens.