President John Dramani Mahama has described the escalating threat of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as a national emergency, vowing to intensify the government’s crackdown on the environmental crisis affecting several parts of Ghana.
Addressing a durbar of chiefs and residents during his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Western North Region, President Mahama singled out the communities of Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso as areas suffering severe environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.
“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,” he said.
The President emphasized that the national anti-galamsey taskforce will continue its mission to halt illegal mining activities, especially in forest reserves and water bodies, where the damage has been most devastating.
In a related development, President Mahama also condemned reports of corruption within some so-called anti-galamsey taskforces who have allegedly turned their operations into a money-making venture.
“I have also noticed the activities of the illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go around extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies,” he disclosed.
“I have requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity,” he warned.
The President’s remarks come amid growing public outcry over the destruction of Ghana’s lands and rivers, with calls for more decisive action against both unlicensed miners and corrupt officials.
The Mahama administration has pledged to bolster enforcement efforts while ensuring genuine, licensed small-scale miners are protected and supported under the law.
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