Mahama not interested in fighting galamsey — Manasseh Azure

As galamsey worsens under the Mahama government, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni believes President John Dramani Mahama has the power to end the illegal activities within two weeks if he chooses to act.

Since the NDC assumed office, reports have emerged suggesting that some party members have taken over protected forest reserves.

Erastus Asare Donkor, a prominent journalist/advocate against illegal mining, has repeatedly provided evidence showing that galamsey remains widespread despite government efforts to curb it.

Authority
In a social media post, Manasseh Azure asserted that the president has the authority to halt the encroachment on forest reserves if he is determined. His post stated: “If President Mahama wants all galamsey operators to leave the forests in two weeks, he can do it. He can ensure that it is done.”

The fight against illegal mining was a major campaign issue in the 2024 elections. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of involvement in the practice and promised to crack down on galamsey if elected.