As gold prices hit historic highs, Ghana has intensified efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining—also known as “galamsey”—by deploying drones to monitor and disrupt illegal operations. Nearly 20 people have died in violent clashes between artisanal miners and security forces in recent weeks. Mining companies and authorities say the drones help protect resources and the environment, while communities say they’re under siege.
Illegal miners claim they have no alternative livelihoods and accuse corporate interests of monopolizing land. The government insists that regulated mining protects both people and the economy, but critics argue that poverty and youth unemployment are root causes. As the gold rush continues, tensions are rising in mining regions, and calls for land reform and community mining programs are growing louder.
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