In the heart of West Africa, a clandestine network of illegal gold mining and arms trafficking is exploiting porous borders, fueling economic crimes, environmental degradation, and regional insecurity. From the gold-rich soils of Ghana to the conflict zones of Mali and Burkina Faso, these illicit activities are interwoven, challenging national authorities and international agencies alike.
A Lucrative Yet Illicit Trade
West Africa is a significant player in the global gold market, with countries like Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso leading in production. However, a substantial portion of this gold is mined illegally. Reports indicate that over 435 metric tons of gold, valued at more than $30 billion, were smuggled out of Africa in 2022 alone, with the United Arab Emirates being a primary destination.
In Ghana, illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” has led to severe environmental and economic consequences, including polluted rivers, damaged farmlands, and significant tax revenue losses. The practice, carried out by over a million informal miners across 14 of Ghana’s 16 regions, contributes to over a third of the country’s gold production but costs the state approximately $2 billion annually in lost taxes .
The Arms Connection
The profits from illegal gold mining are not just economic losses; they are a source of funding for armed groups and criminal networks. In Mali, for instance, an armed group launched a double attack on an artisanal gold mining site in Narena, resulting in three fatalities and the abduction of two Chinese nationals. The assailants targeted a shop owned by the Chinese, kidnapped two individuals, and destroyed mining equipment. They then attacked a nearby gold-panning site, killing one Malian and two Ghanaians.
Furthermore, firearms trafficking is a significant concern in the region. The porosity of borders facilitates the illicit circulation of firearms, among other goods, in Central and Western African countries. This trafficking fuels violence, exacerbates conflict, and enables terrorist and armed groups’ activities .
Efforts to Curb the Illicit Activities
Recognizing the multifaceted threats posed by illegal mining and arms trafficking, international and regional bodies have initiated operations to combat these issues. Interpol coordinated a major operation targeting illegal gold mining in West Africa, resulting in 200 arrests and the seizure of harmful chemicals, explosives, and drugs. Conducted from July to October 2024, this operation spanned Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal, revealing extensive networks behind the illicit activities.
In Ghana, the government plans to introduce a Gold Board to enhance gold purchases from small-scale miners, boost earnings, and reduce smuggling. The initiative aims to increase the benefits from gold sales and stabilize the national currency.
“Where the gold flows unchecked, so do the guns. Every unregulated mine is a potential ATM for armed groups. Until West African governments treat illegal mining as both a security and economic threat, we’ll keep chasing symptoms, not solutions.”
Emmanuel Kotin, Executive Director, African Centre for Counter Terrorism, Ghana
The intertwining of illegal gold mining and arms trafficking in West Africa presents a complex challenge that transcends borders. Addressing this issue requires a coordinated approach that includes strengthening border security, formalizing the artisanal mining sector, and enhancing regional cooperation. Only through comprehensive strategies can West Africa hope to mitigate the economic, environmental, and security threats posed by these illicit activities.
