Galamsey Reporter

Your safety matters

Safety tips for reporters

Practical advice to protect yourself when documenting illegal mining activity.

Your safety is more important than any report.

Never put yourself in danger to gather evidence. A report with less detail is always better than risking your wellbeing. Trust your instincts—if something feels unsafe, step back.

Before you report

  • Observe from a safe distance. You don't need to get close to mining sites. What you can see from a road or public area is enough.
  • Don't confront anyone. Your role is to document, not to intervene. Leave enforcement to the authorities.
  • Tell someone where you're going. If you're visiting an area to make observations, let a trusted friend or family member know.
  • Know when to walk away. If you see armed individuals, aggressive behavior, or feel threatened in any way, leave immediately.

Protecting your identity

  • Don't share personal details in reports. Avoid mentioning your name, where you live, or information that could identify you.
  • Be careful with photos. Avoid capturing faces, vehicle plates, or anything that could identify you as the photographer. Focus on the environmental damage, equipment, or mining site itself.
  • Use a public network if concerned. If you're worried about being traced, submit reports from a public Wi-Fi location rather than your home.
  • Don't discuss your reports locally. Keep your reporting activity private. Don't tell neighbors or acquaintances that you've submitted reports.

Taking photos safely

  • No photos are required. A detailed written description is valuable on its own. Only take photos if you can do so safely.
  • Avoid faces. Don't photograph people who might be identified. Focus on the environmental damage, equipment, or location instead.
  • Don't use flash. A camera flash can draw attention to you, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Act natural. If you're in a public area, try to look like a casual observer rather than someone documenting activity.

After you submit

  • Your report is stored securely. Only trusted moderators and verified partner organizations can access report details.
  • You won't be contacted publicly. We never publish reporter information. If you provided contact details for account recovery, those stay private.
  • Delete local drafts if needed. If you're concerned about someone finding drafts on your device, you can delete them from your browser's local storage.

If you're in danger

This platform is not an emergency service. If you witness violence, feel threatened, or need immediate help:

  • Contact local police: Ghana Police Service (emergency: 191 or 18555)
  • Reach a trusted NGO: Environmental and human rights organizations can provide support
  • Seek legal advice: If you need legal protection, speak with a qualified lawyer

Your immediate safety is what matters most. Reports can wait.