President John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, involves individuals across political, traditional, and community lines—including people within his own circles.
Speaking at a meeting with Organised Labour at Jubilee House on March 17, the President said operators of illegal mining often shift allegiance when governments change.
He explained that individuals involved in such activities sometimes approach incoming administrations to maintain control of operations, offering to share proceeds.
President Mahama described the fight against galamsey as complex and deeply rooted, noting that enforcement efforts frequently face resistance from local communities. According to him, chiefs, youth, and residents often oppose the activities of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, making enforcement difficult.
He also linked the rise in illegal mining to challenges in the cocoa sector, explaining that low prices for cocoa have pushed some farmers to abandon their farms in favour of gold mining. To address this, the government plans to introduce a pricing system that will allow farmers to receive up to 70% of the global cocoa price.
The President further cited logistical constraints, including inadequate patrol boats and monitoring equipment, as challenges in tackling illegal mining in forests and waterways. He said government is working with the Ministries of Finance, Defence, and Interior to strengthen enforcement capacity.
Galamsey remains a major national concern due to its environmental and economic impact, and the President stressed the need for sustained effort, resources, and community cooperation to effectively address the problem.
