‘I will never give up in the fight against illegal mining’

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

In a statement shared on his X page on Monday, November 10, 2025, he wrote, “The fight against illegal mining (galamsey) is not a matter of convenience; it is essential for our survival. We cannot destroy our environment while claiming to build our future.”

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President Mahama commended journalists, including Erastus Asare Donkor, for exposing illegal mining activities. He highlighted that the government’s approach goes beyond enforcement, focusing on initiatives that provide alternatives to illegal mining.

“I commend journalists like Erastus Asare Donkor who expose environmental crimes at great personal risk. For this administration, we are not just fighting galamsey. We are also creating alternatives, including recruiting more volunteers for the Tree for Life Reforestation Program and the Blue Water Guards to protect our rivers,” he stated.

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President Mahama further warned that communities attacking public officials performing lawful duties would face sanctions. He assured the youth that the administration is creating sustainable employment opportunities, including through the National Apprenticeship Program, to promote livelihoods that do not harm the environment.

“To communities that attack public officials performing lawful duties, we will take firm action. To our youth, we are creating alternative opportunities, including the National Apprenticeship Programme, to provide sustainable jobs. Let’s choose sustainable livelihoods over environmental destruction. I assure you, as your President, that I will NEVER give up this fight against illegal mining,” he emphasised.

Despite efforts by several governments to curb it, galamsey continues to threaten water bodies, biodiversity, and public health.

Read President Mahama’s post below:

JKB/MA

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