Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has disclosed that government has intensified its fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, through enhanced enforcement measures, new regulatory frameworks and increased regional oversight.
According to him, the renewed efforts follow a meeting President John Dramani Mahama held with a broader group of stakeholders to deliberate on the galamsey menace and its impact on the country.
Mr. Debrah made the remarks while addressing Civil Society Organisations at the Presidency on Monday, March 30, 2026, during the third engagement between President Mahama and CSO representatives.
He used the opportunity to commend civil society groups for their contributions to national development, describing their role as critical to Ghana’s governance and democratic growth.
“May I take this opportunity to express the government’s appreciation for the important role you play and your valued contributions to the current affairs of our nation,” Mr. Debrah stated.
The Chief of Staff said President Mahama remains committed to working closely with civil society as partners in the quest for good governance, and has promised to sustain regular engagements.
Mr. Debrah recalled that the first engagement between President Mahama and CSOs was held on 26th May, and focused on a number of issues, including the establishment of the National Governance Council.
“Mr. President promised regular meetings with you as partners in our quest for good governance,” he noted.
“On the 26th of May, the President held the first meeting with you, which primarily focused on several issues, including the establishment of the National Governance Council,” he said.
He revealed that following deliberations with CSO representatives and extensive drafting, Parliament has passed the Governance Advisory Council Bill, which is expected to receive presidential assent soon.
“After further deliberations with your chosen representatives and extensive drafting, the Governance Advisory Council bill has been passed by Parliament and will soon be assented to by the President,” he added.
Touching on illegal mining, Mr. Debrah said President Mahama held a second meeting on 3rd October 2025, which brought together a broader group of stakeholders to discuss the growing threat of galamsey.
“On the 3rd of October 2025, the President held a second meeting with a broader group on galamsey,” he stated.
He said the government has since stepped up efforts to tackle the menace through a more coordinated approach involving law enforcement, regulatory reforms and stronger monitoring at the regional level.
“Since then, the government has intensified its fight against the menace through enhanced enforcement, new regulatory frameworks, and increased regional oversight,” Mr. Debrah said.
The Chief of Staff noted that the current engagement is the third meeting between the President and CSOs, and provides an opportunity for open dialogue, particularly on issues civil society groups may wish to raise directly with the President.
“This is the third meeting with CSOs, and I’m sure there are a number of things on your mind that you wish to discuss with the President,” he stated.
SOURCE: Mubarak Yakubu
