Following a community viewing of the ‘Poisoned for Gold’ documentary on Friday, January 12, residents of the Western Regional town of Samreboi are calling for an end to illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’ Expressing shock at the devastating impact of galamsey on public health, as highlighted in the JoyNews expose, residents are urging chiefs and community leaders to enforce laws and lead advocacy efforts to stop illegal mining in the community.

The program marked the start of the “Poison for Gold” Community Tour, part of the USAGM media project on Nature Crimes in Ghana, supported by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of Conservation and Water. The tour aims to reach remote communities affected by nature crimes and will be replicated in three more locations.

The initiative involves public screenings of the ‘Poisoned for Gold’ documentary, translated into Twi for local audiences. It also includes community engagements with leaders, residents, and health professionals to discuss the dangers of illegal mining.

During Friday’s community engagement, over a hundred residents were enlightened about the health effects of irresponsible mining that has engulfed Samreboi. Some participants expressed shock at how heavy metals from uncontrolled mining can impact even unborn children. The event brought together community leaders, stakeholders, and medical professionals to discuss solutions to the galamsey issue and its health effects in the area.