President John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at an event to mark Labour Day in Accra on Thursday, May 1, 2025, the president acknowledged the complex nature of the galamsey challenge.
“The fight against galamsey is a complex one, and when I was vying for the presidency, I did not kid myself that I would win that fight within four months of taking office. Yet, we will not give up.
“Our gallant men of the armed forces and security services are up to the task and will continue to record successes against the selfish companies and individuals who are destroying our forests and polluting our water bodies,” he stated in his address to workers at Independence Square.
Galamsey has remained a major concern in Ghana’s pursuit of environmental sustainability.
Despite various efforts by successive governments to curb the menace, progress has been slow, largely due to political interference and corruption.
Since assuming office on January 7, 2025, the John Mahama administration has introduced several measures aimed at intensifying the fight against galamsey.
These measures include the launch of the Blue Water Guards initiative, a ban on government officials from participating in or owning mining concessions, and a policy to repurpose seized galamsey equipment for national development instead of burning them.
GA/MA
