One Week In Galamsey Pit, One Month Salary In Classroom – Young Miner Mocks Teachers

A young man involved in illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, has sparked widespread debate on social media after making a statement about how much money he earns compared to workers in Ghana’s public education sector.

The young man reportedly earns approximately GH¢3,000 every week through his involvement in galamsey. According to him, the amount he makes within seven days is enough to cover the entire monthly salaries of two or three teachers employed by the Ghana Education Service (GES).

His comments have attracted particular attention because they come amid growing tensions between the government and pre-tertiary teachers across the country, who have embarked on a nationwide strike over unpaid financial entitlements.

Teachers belonging to organisations such as the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) have withdrawn their services and stayed away from classrooms while demanding that the government fulfil its financial commitments.

The teachers maintain that authorities previously promised to settle their outstanding allowances and promotion arrears by the end of September. However, they claim the deadline passed without the promised payments being made.

Reports indicate that approximately 80,000 teachers who have received promotions are still waiting for their corresponding arrears. Other educators are also demanding payment of their Deprived Area Allowance, an entitlement they say has remained outstanding despite earlier negotiations and agreements.

Against this background, the galamsey worker’s revelation about his weekly earnings has generated considerable interest. While many teachers reportedly earn between GH¢1,500 and GH¢2,800 monthly, depending on their ranks and positions, the young man claims to make GH¢3,000 within a single week.

If his reported earnings remain consistent, he could potentially make about GH¢12,000 in four weeks, considerably exceeding the monthly income of many teachers working in the public education system.

The comparison has reignited discussions about unemployment, low wages and the growing attraction of illegal mining among young people. Some Ghanaians believe the financial benefits associated with galamsey have encouraged unemployed youths and even some school leavers to abandon conventional career paths in pursuit of quicker financial returns.

On Facebook and TikTok, reactions have been divided. Critics have condemned the young man’s comments, arguing that presenting galamsey as a lucrative occupation could encourage illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s environment.

Others, however, believe his statement highlights a serious problem within the country’s employment and remuneration systems. They argue that it is difficult to convince young people to pursue careers in education and other legitimate professions when the financial rewards appear significantly lower than those available through illegal activities.

The situation has also raised questions about the message being communicated to students who are encouraged to pursue education, become professionals and contribute to national development.

Galamsey remains a major environmental concern in Ghana because of its destructive effects on rivers, forests and farmlands. The activities also expose miners to dangerous working conditions and potentially life-threatening accidents.

Nevertheless, the financial attraction of illegal mining continues to make it appealing to some young people struggling to secure decent employment.

Many believe the government must address the economic conditions encouraging people to participate in galamsey if it genuinely intends to eliminate the practice.

Improving salaries, paying outstanding allowances and creating sustainable employment opportunities could help make legitimate professions more attractive.

Ultimately, the young man’s comments have exposed a difficult national conversation about the relationship between hard work, financial rewards and the value society places on essential professions. Critics argue that Ghana cannot effectively discourage illegal mining while legitimate workers, particularly teachers, continue to struggle to receive the compensation they are entitled to.

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