A viral video circulating on social media depicts a group of seven unlicensed miners in Southern Ghana who claim to have unearthed what is being touted as the largest gold nugget in the history of Ghana.
The group uncovered the mineral while excavating a mining site in an area believed to be situated in the Ashanti Region.
It was an exceedingly large mineral that required more than one person to transport. In the video, the young individuals helped each other with enthusiasm as they successfully lifted the ‘gold’ from the mining pit.
The menace of illegal mining also known as galamsey has been a concern to many as it has over the years destroyed valuable lands and water bodies.
Government has also embarked on several initiative to fight through constant awareness programs. While some culprits got arrested, several lives has been lost after being trapped in mining pits.
In Ghana, widespread poverty and a lack of alternative income-earning opportunities has influenced the decision by some citizens to work as illegal miners.
Families are often torn between needing the income while simultaneously suffering from the environmental and health consequences of such activities.
Nevertheless, some individuals have decided to abandon the practices while others seem to be making great fortunes from it.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Amanda Cartey