University of Ghana Business School finance professor Prof. Godfred Bokpin has urged President John Dramani Mahama to take stronger and more decisive action against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
His call follows the death of seven illegal miners after a mining pit collapsed at Asaman Tamfoe in the Eastern Region on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about deaths linked to illegal mining. Figures from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) indicate that about 30 people have died in mining-related incidents in the Eastern Region since January 2026.
Prof. Bokpin acknowledged the President’s achievements in other areas but said the galamsey crisis required the same level of leadership and urgency.
“A good leader, an effective leader, does not choose where he or she wants to succeed. You don’t lead based on convenience,” he said.
He said President Mahama’s strong mandate in the 2024 elections came with equally strong expectations from Ghanaians.
Prof. Bokpin stressed that his criticism was intended to push the President to intensify efforts against illegal mining, saying he remained confident in Mr Mahama’s ability to tackle the crisis.
“President Mahama cannot fail us,” he stressed.
He warned that continued delays would make it increasingly difficult to reverse the environmental damage and loss of lives caused by illegal mining.
“The more we fail on this matter, the harder it’s going to be to win it,” Prof. Bokpin cautioned.
