Accra, Ghana – June 30, 2026

Green Advocacy Ghana proudly celebrates the launch of The Last Dig: How Benjie Changed the Galamsey Story, the latest publication by its Executive Director, Mr. Yaw Amoyaw-Osei, unveiled at the Mikaddo Conference Centre in Accra.

The book is far more than a work of fiction. It is a compelling call to action that invites Ghanaians to rethink the nation’s response to illegal mining through the lens of environmental governance, accountability and sustainable development.

Inspired by a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) conducted on the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining, The Last Dig transforms technical environmental research into an engaging human story. Through the fictional nation of Hanag and its memorable characters, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complex social, economic and governance issues that continue to fuel galamsey.

During the launch, Mr. Amoyaw-Osei shared that the decision to write the book stemmed from a desire to ensure that valuable environmental knowledge did not remain confined to technical reports. By blending storytelling with advocacy, he sought to make Strategic Environmental Assessment understandable to policymakers, community leaders, students and the wider public while demonstrating its potential to guide sustainable national development.

The book argues that Ghana’s fight against illegal mining requires more than slogans or isolated enforcement operations. Instead, it calls for coordinated action across ministries, regulatory institutions, traditional authorities, district assemblies, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and local communities. It challenges every stakeholder to embrace clearly defined responsibilities in protecting the country’s natural resources for future generations.

Reviewing the book, Professor Daniel A. Wubah praised its ability to transform environmental science into a national conversation. He highlighted the author’s balanced treatment of illegal mining, recognising the distinction between organised environmental crime and livelihood-driven artisanal mining while advocating practical, evidence-based solutions centred on stronger governance, environmental accountability and community development.

Professor Wubah further described The Last Dig as an exceptional publication that speaks simultaneously to policymakers, educators, students, traditional leaders, development partners and citizens. He commended the book for offering hope, demonstrating that meaningful environmental reform is possible through ethical leadership, institutional collaboration and informed public participation.

For Green Advocacy Ghana, the launch reinforces the organisation’s mission of promoting environmental sustainability through education, advocacy and citizen engagement. The publication reflects the belief that lasting environmental change depends not only on sound policies but also on an informed and empowered society that understands the issues and actively participates in shaping solutions.

As Ghana continues to seek sustainable pathways for managing its mineral resources, The Last Dig offers a timely reminder that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility. Through powerful storytelling, the book encourages every Ghanaian to become part of the national conversation—and ultimately, part of the solution.