In Ghana’s heart, a cancer spreads,
Galamsey’s evil corrupts its veins.
Water bodies choked by toxic might,
Leaving death and despair in endless night.
A cartel operates with ruthless sway,
Like Colombian kings, in a deadly play.
Bribing officials with blood-stained gold,
Destroying futures, both young and old.
Rivers once pure now flow with pain,
Heavy metals poisoning in shameless disdain.
Forest reserves ravaged, wildlife fled,
Communities suffer in a toxic bed.
Future generations will curse our name
For allowing destruction without shame.
Galamsey’s greed leaves no stream alive,
A barren land where hope cannot thrive.
Cry, My Beloved Country
Cry, my beloved country, cry,
Your beauty lost, your soul denied.
Galamsey’s scourge, a nation’s shame,
Your future bleak, your hope in flames.
Your rivers choked, your forests bare,
Your wildlife fled, your land laid bare.
Your children suffer, your youth despair,
Your elders weep, with no repair.
Where are your leaders? Where is your voice?
Why do they watch with passive choice?
As your heritage is ravaged and sold,
And your people suffer, both young and old.
Rise, my beloved country, rise,
Shake off the chains of corrupt compromise.
Reclaim your pride, restore your might,
Save your future, and shine with new light.
—Amb. Sam Pee Yalley, Esq.