In a firm declaration, President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to fight and eliminate illegal small-scale mining — commonly called galamsey.
Speaking at the 2025 GJA/KGL Media Awards in Kumasi, on November 8, 2025, he said the government is spearheading a programme to restore mined and degraded lands while creating employment for youth in affected communities.
According to him, “We’re restoring degraded lands while creating thousands of jobs for young people in affected communities. I have asked the Minister of Finance to increase the budget allocation so that we can recruit more youth into forest tree planting and the Blue Water Guard to safeguard our water bodies.”
Mahama added that the recruited youth would receive a monthly stipend of GH₵1,500.
He added: “These youth are to be recruited from affected communities, and they will receive a monthly stipend of GHC1,500. I wish to commend journalists who persist in exposing environmental crime at great personal risk. Your bravery is noted, and it’s patriotic. I wish to assure you, as the President, that I will never give up the fight.”
Mahama emphasised that the fight cannot be the government’s alone. It requires full involvement of citizens, traditional authorities, youth, and civil society.
Mahama’s message is unambiguous: the fight against galamsey will continue until victory, and he will not relent.
While he recognises the scale of the challenge, his commitment is firm. For this to succeed, however, enforcement must be matched by restoration and economic opportunity for those vulnerable to falling into illegal mining.
