Paul Gee Urges Government to Allocate GH₵2 Billion for Anti-Galamsey Content Creation

Kumawood film producer Paul Gee believes one of the most powerful ways to tackle the illegal mining crisis, commonly known as galamsey, is through the creative arts. He has called on the government to allocate GH₵2 billion ($121,645,600) to support the production of anti-galamsey content, including films, documentaries, music, and other creative projects that would raise awareness about the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining.

Although he could not explain how he arrived at this specific figure, Paul Gee emphasized that the funding would help the creative industry make a significant impact on the issue while also creating job opportunities to reduce the country’s unemployment rate.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on November 4, 2024, Paul Gee (whose real name is Paul Adjei) expressed his firm belief that creatives hold the key to solving the galamsey problem, but they need adequate financial backing to do so effectively.

“I’ve always said that creatives have the power to shape minds and inspire change,” he said. “That’s why I’m suggesting that the government allocates GH₵2 billion to us, so we can produce anti-galamsey content, create jobs, and educate communities affected by the issue.” He added, “For example, if a well-known actress like Nana Ama McBrown and a producer like myself collaborate on a documentary about galamsey, it will have a far greater impact.”

Paul Gee pointed out that protests against galamsey, like the one held last month in Accra, where thousands marched and held a vigil, are important but often miss the mark. He believes that the focus should be on reaching the people directly involved in the illegal mining activities, many of whom are outside the capital city and unaware of the dangers they face.

“This isn’t the first time creatives have been used to raise awareness. Our industry has the power to educate and motivate those engaged in galamsey to abandon these harmful practices,” he said. “Imagine over 400 Ghanaian film producers using galamsey sites as locations to film movies that expose the catastrophic effects of illegal mining. This is more than entertainment; it’s a tool for social change.”

He pointed to past successes in using media to drive change, such as the public education campaigns in the 1970s when Ghana switched to the metric system and started driving on the right. These initiatives used TV shows, music, and drama to inform the public, and Paul Gee believes a similar approach could work with galamsey.

While acknowledging that military intervention has been costly and ineffective, Paul Gee criticized the use of force as a long-term solution. He argued that most galamsey workers are unemployed, and without alternatives, they might turn to crime. “If we stop them from engaging in galamsey, they will resort to armed robbery or other criminal activities,” he warned. “We need to create jobs for them, and that’s where the creative industry comes in.”

Paul Gee’s proposal has received strong support from various organizations in the creative sector, including the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), and the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), where he has served in leadership roles. With over 20 years of experience in music and film production, Paul Gee has worked with top artists and produced notable films, making him a key figure in both the Ghanaian film and music industries.

He remains confident that with the right financial backing, the creative industry can play a vital role in tackling the galamsey crisis and providing lasting solutions.