KEY POINTS
- Mahama will lead Ghana’s fiercest galamsey crackdown.
- The campaign aims to protect water bodies and communities.
- Global partners have shown strong solidarity in mourning.
Ghana is bracing for what could be the most aggressive crackdown on illegal mining in its history, as President John Dramani Mahama signals a zero-tolerance approach to the environmental menace known locally as galamsey.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa told reporters Thursday that the president made his stance unmistakably clear during a cabinet meeting, committing to what he described as “a fight that has never been witnessed in this country.”
President to lead ruthless galamsey campaign
Ablakwa said Mahama’s directive leaves “no ambiguity” about the government’s intent to launch a ruthless and relentless campaign against the illegal mining industry. “He will be leading a war that we have never seen to deal with this canker, this existential threat, once and for all,” Ablakwa further stressed.
The foreign minister’s comments came after he signed a book of condolence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking the conclusion of a three-day memorial for the eight victims of last week’s military helicopter crash.
Honouring victims by ending galamsey
Ablakwa linked the crackdown on illegal mining to the memory of the fallen soldiers, saying their mission to protect Ghana’s resources must be completed. “It is now up to us to finish the mission they were pursuing,” he said, calling for unity in transforming and resetting the nation.
He underscored that honoring their memories means safeguarding the environment, particularly water bodies, from the destructive effects of illegal mining. “We must protect our water bodies and keep this country safe for the generations coming after us,” he added.
Global solidarity in national mourning
The minister also extended gratitude to world leaders, foreign embassies, and international partners who expressed condolences and support during the national mourning period.
“All of them have been united with us, grieving and mourning,” Ablakwa noted, acknowledging the tireless work of ministry staff in hosting dignitaries.
With Mahama’s call to action, Ghana’s political leadership appears poised to make illegal mining a defining battleground of his presidency—one aimed not just at enforcement, but at preserving the nation’s environmental and social fabric.
