Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has become one of the most contentious and complex issues facing Ghana today. What began decades ago as small-scale informal mining has evolved into a national crisis affecting the environment, public health and the country’s long-term economic future.

For months now, economic reports in Ghana have carried a somewhat encouraging message: inflation is falling. After peaking during the country’s recent economic crisis, the rate at which prices are increasing has begun to slow. On paper, this is good news for the economy and for households struggling with rising costs.