President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, insisting that the fight will be pursued decisively and without fear or favour.
Speaking at the Ghana Military Academy Graduation ceremony on Friday, January 30, in Accra, the President described illegal mining as a major threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and agricultural lands, warning that continued inaction could have severe long-term consequences for the country’s natural resources.
“Illegal mining has caused extensive environmental degradation, polluting our rivers, destroying farmlands, and endangering the livelihoods of our people,” President Mahama said. “It is imperative that we take firm measures against these activities to preserve the environment for future generations.”
He noted that government interventions, including the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), inter-agency collaborations, and community engagement programs, have begun to yield positive results, contributing to a gradual reduction in illegal mining activities in key hotspots.
The President also appealed to Ghanaians to actively support the anti-galamsey campaign, stressing that public participation is crucial to ensuring sustainable environmental protection. “This fight is not only the responsibility of security agencies and regulatory bodies. Every citizen has a role to play in safeguarding our land, water, and natural resources,” he said.
In addition, President Mahama highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of illegal mining, noting that it threatens food security, public health, and the potential for sustainable development.
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing nationwide efforts to enforce environmental laws, prosecute offenders, and rehabilitate lands degraded by illegal mining, signaling the government’s determination to restore ecological balance and promote responsible mining practices across Ghana.
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