President John Dramani Mahama has described the widespread environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as a national emergency, vowing swift and decisive action to address the escalating crisis.
Speaking at a durbar during his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the President expressed deep concern over the devastation in communities such as Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso.
He attributed the alarming degradation of forest reserves and water bodies to illegal mining activities.
“We are alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining. I must be honest, this is a national emergency.
The national taskforce will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies,” President Mahama said.
The President also issued a stern warning to individuals exploiting the anti-galamsey campaign for personal gain.
He condemned the operations of illegal task forces allegedly extorting money from licensed small-scale miners, describing the practice as unacceptable.
“I have also noticed the activities of the illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies,” he stated.
“I have requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity,” he warned.
President Mahama’s comments come as the country grapples with the growing environmental and economic impacts of galamsey, which continues to pose a major threat to water resources, farmlands, and forest reserves.
Earlier, representatives of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey and Senyo Hosi, demanded an investigation into politically affiliated mining companies, declaring a state of emergency for nine forest reserves impacted by illegal mining, addressing security threats posed by galamsey operations, and probing how illegal miners acquire firearms, among other issues.
Dr Ashigbey emphasised that the fight against illegal mining has been undermined by the involvement of high-profile politicians.
He argued that holding these individuals accountable is essential for the government to successfully combat illegal mining.
