Tackle galamsey kingpins within your party — Group tells President Mahama
The National Coalition on Mining (NCOM) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to demonstrate strong political will in tackling the entrenched problem of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, by taking bold action against individuals within his government and party allegedly involved in the practice.
In a statement responding to the recent meeting between President Mahama and civil society organisations at the Jubilee House, the NCOM said the success of any anti-galamsey programme would depend on the President’s courage to act decisively against powerful political and business interests benefiting from illegal mining.
“The key political question remains: Will President Mahama have the political courage to act against those in his government and the NDC who are known or rumoured to be galamsey kingpins and facilitators? That ultimately will be the touchstone for the success or failure of any anti-galamsey programme,” the statement said.
While commending the President’s renewed commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining, the coalition emphasised that galamsey is a complex national challenge that cannot be solved through militarised crackdowns or short-term interventions.
It urged the government to design a comprehensive strategy that addresses the social, economic, and institutional factors driving the menace.
“Galamsey is not just a law-and-order problem — it is deeply rooted in governance failures, poverty, and corruption,” NCOM noted.
The group proposed a multi-dimensional approach that includes long-term investments in rural development, job creation, and reforms in the small-scale mining sector.
It also called for stronger collaboration between the state, civil society, and local communities to ensure a sustainable and inclusive fight against illegal mining.
According to the coalition, successive governments have relied on ad hoc measures — such as Operation Flush Out, Operation Vanguard, and Operation Halt — which have failed to produce lasting results while causing human rights violations and economic disruptions.
“The government must commit adequate resources to a well-planned, sustained, and transparent anti-galamsey programme that engages all stakeholders from the national to local levels,” the statement said.
The NCOM added that Ghana’s ability to end the destructive practice will depend not just on policies or enforcement, but on the political integrity and determination of the country’s leadership to confront those who profit from environmental destruction.
