Amerado, the artist behind “Kwaku Ananse,” has emphasized that while musicians can inspire social change, halting illegal mining in Ghana requires more than just music. In an interview with Joy FM’s Kwame Dadzie on Showbiz A-Z, Amerado stressed that those in power must take responsibility for stopping the menace, commonly known as galamsey.
“Doing music about galamsey will only create awareness, but who is taking the action for us to be able to stop the galamsey?” Amerado asked. “We can do the songs, the songs can travel all over the world, but who is taking the action? Who is in charge of making sure that all these things are stopped?”
Amerado’s sentiments were echoed by actor Adjetey Anang, who believes that the creative industry can effectively address galamsey through their work. “We’ve learnt to do that so well in the stories that we tell,” Anang told 3FM. “We change certain lines, we inject some of these things for the audience to know that we can have entertainment and fun, but there are serious issues going on there and have to pay attention.”
The issue of galamsey has sparked widespread concern, with Democracy Hub organizing a three-day demonstration on September 17 to pressure the government into action. However, the arrest of 40 protesters has ignited controversy, with many calling for their release and questioning the silence of prominent celebrities.
Notably, Stonebwoy has addressed galamsey in his song “Greedy Men,” while the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) released “Stop Galamsey” in 2018. Latif Abubakar’s Globe Productions also staged a play, “Saints and Sinners,” in 2017 to tackle the issue.
As the campaign against galamsey continues, many are urging President Nana Akufo-Addo and other leaders to take immediate action to halt the devastating practice.
