Galamsey identified as Ghana's most negative online issue

Illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, was the most negatively discussed political issue in Ghana’s online conversations during September, according to an analysis by IMANI Africa. Using its Public Understanding and Literacy for Sentiment and Election Analysis (PULSE) system, the organization tracked discussions across platforms such as X, Facebook, and TikTok.

Galamsey recorded 2,647 mentions throughout the month and achieved a mean sentiment score of -0.72, the lowest of any issue monitored. Discussion volume increased steadily toward the end of the month, rising from 505 mentions in the final week of August to 668 in the last week of September, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding the impact of illegal mining on forests, rivers, and local communities.

Other significant drivers of negative online sentiment included narcotics and economic concerns. Cocaine-related discussions saw 1,344 mentions with a sentiment score of -0.48, while the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) generated 1,939 mentions with a score of -0.34.