Galamsey is a gold-mining process that is illegal in Ghana. (The name galamsey is a contraction of gather and sell or gather them and sell.) Although galamsey is not a new practice, it has become more widespread in recent years and has led to many environmental and health problems in Ghana. Galamsey miners use toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which have contaminated soil and bodies of water and have endangered the health of the population. Galamsey operations have also resulted in a reduction in forest cover and arable land for agricultural purposes. The practice has led to lost revenue for the Ghanaian government, as much of the gold from galamsey operations has been smuggled out of Ghana.
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