The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has expressed disappointment in President John Dramani Mahama’s recent comments on illegal mining, stating that his posture did not inspire the urgency needed to address the menace.
Mr. Mahama speaking at the Presidency on September 10, 2025, at the Presidential Media Encounter at indicated that his government last resort will be declaring a State of Emergency following the adverse effects of the menace.
In a statement, released on September 10, the Coalition noted with disappointment in the President that his statement did not convey the urgency required in the fight to rid this country of what it described “unprecedented environmental terrorism.”
The Coalition lamented that the President’s posture downplayed the severity of the crisis, noting that it has already resulted in pollution of over 60% of waterbodies, heavy metal contamination, displacement of farmers, and devastation of forest reserves.
GCAG also criticized the withdrawal of police forces and the President’s assertion that legal and illegal miners could not be distinguished, describing it as misplaced.
“His withdrawal of police forces and accusation that they cannot distinguish legal from illegal miners is misplaced. The IGP’s men, though not perfect, were fearless and had brought the situation under control.
“We challenge the Presidency to name a single licensed small-scale mining entity that is mining responsibly on the ground. We welcome NAIMOS, but have we resourced them sufficiently to deal decisively as needed?” the Coalition asked.
They group described the President’s suggestion that alternatives must be provided before clamping down on illegal mining as an endorsement of illegality.
“His statement that alternatives must be provided before chasing miners is compared to justifying and emboldening illegality. This is not the leadership expected for a country facing environmental suicide, contaminated cocoa exports, and rising health crises now and for our newborns.”
According to GCAG, the government’s failure to declare a state of emergency on the matter has worsened the situation.
“We disagree entirely with the President on the position of government regarding calls for a targeted state of emergency, as the circumstances that prevailed when he joined civil society to demand a state of emergency before his election as President have not improved; in fact, some of the indices have worsened.”
The statement stressed with a sharp critique of the government’s handling of the issue.
“This government’s handling of the galamsey crisis is a disappointment to us all; this government is failing us.”
