On July 15, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama labeled the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, known as galamsey, a “national emergency” during a durbar in the Western North Region as part of his “Thank You Tour.” Addressing the severe damage in areas like Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso, he expressed alarm over the degradation of forest reserves and pollution of water bodies.
“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,” Mahama stated. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to intensifying the national taskforce’s efforts to curb illegal mining in protected areas, declaring, “The national taskforce will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies.”
Mahama also condemned unauthorized groups posing as anti-galamsey operatives, accusing them of extorting money from licensed small-scale miners. “I have also noticed the activities of the illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies,” he said, calling the practice unacceptable. He confirmed that he has directed authorities to arrest and prosecute those involved in these corrupt schemes.
The President’s remarks reflect growing public concern over environmental destruction and signal a renewed push to address both illegal mining and corruption in Ghana’s mining sector.
Source: African Publicity
