President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, October 3, 2025, mounted a forceful defense of his government’s resolve against illegal mining, vehemently dismissing suggestions that he holds any vested interest in the continuation of the destructive phenomenon known as ‘galamsey.’
Speaking at a critical stakeholder engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Jubilee House in Accra, the President assured a skeptical public and CSOs of his total commitment to the fight, amid mounting pressure to declare a state of emergency over the crisis.
Mahama Dismisses Accusations and Pledges Victory
The meeting, which took place against a backdrop of devastating environmental reports—including the destruction of an estimated 1.2 million hectares of arable land and the repeated shutdown of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) water treatment facilities due to high pollution levels—saw the President address the direct accusation of political complicity.
President Mahama’s remarks were aimed at rebuilding public trust and countering political narratives that accuse the ruling administration of shielding illegal mining kingpins.
“We will continue to fight. I believe we will win the fight against galamsey. We have nothing to hide; I don’t gain anything from galamsey. I’m not personally involved in galamsey. I have no interest in galamsey continuing,” the President stated emphatically.
His categorical rejection of personal involvement comes as the Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, concurrently revealed that 600 suspects are currently facing prosecution in 65 active dockets, signalling an intensifying judicial clampdown.
Demand for Collective Action
The President’s forum was a direct response to heightened national anxiety, particularly following calls from groups like OccupyGhana and environmental NGOs like A Rocha Ghana, which are demanding a more aggressive, all-of-government approach.
OccupyGhana, on the same day, issued an Open Letter to the Presidency, urging the declaration of a state of emergency in all mining areas, citing the constitutional basis that ‘galamsey’ threatens the essentials of life and national survival.
Acknowledging the scope of the crisis and the need for unified front, President Mahama stressed that ultimate victory depends on a joint effort between the government and civil society.
“You can be sure that we’re all on the same side. And we will continue to do this together,” he assured the assembled stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional authorities, and environmental experts.
The administration is now expected to review the proposals put forth by the CSOs and potentially adopt more radical enforcement and reclamation strategies to combat the existential threat posed by illegal mining, which has severely contaminated up to 60% of Ghana’s water bodies.
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