The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for demonstrating a firm commitment to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to Dr Ashigbey, recent statements and outlined strategies by Mahama demonstrate a renewed determination to address the long-standing environmental crisis that continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and farming communities due to galamsey.
He noted that the illegal mining menace has become increasingly complex in recent years, involving sophisticated machinery, powerful financiers, and ineffective enforcement systems.
In such a climate, Dr Ashigbey believes strong political will is essential—and Mahama’s posture signals just that.
He said the government has demonstrated a clear determination to galamsey with the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
“The current president has shown the will to fight this menace that is eating us up. The current Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has also been at the forefront of fighting it,” he said on JoyNews.
“We have seen Operation NAIMOS and what they’ve been doing and the impacts they have been making,” he said.
Ashigbey explained that the president’s communication style has been deliberately used to reinforce the government’s message and rally public support for the fight against galamsey.
“The president, with his communication prowess, wanted to use that to drive home a point,” he noted.
As an example of progress, Ashigbey cited improvements in the Ayensu area, attributing the change directly to sustained operations by security and enforcement teams under NAIMOS.
“The reason why you find out that Ayensu has improved is that NAIMOS has done some extensive work in that particular area,” he explained.
Dr Ashigbey also stressed that the fight against galamsey requires a collective national effort.
He encouraged political leaders, civil society groups, the media, and traditional authorities to work together regardless of party affiliation, emphasising that the issue is about national survival, not partisan gain.
As Ghana faces increasing environmental degradation from illegal mining activities, Ashigbey said he is encouraged by any leadership—past, present, or future—that is ready to take bold action to restore the country’s natural resources.
