President John Dramani Mahama has conceded that Ghana’s struggle against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, is complicated by involvement from within the nation’s own political and traditional networks.
In a Tuesday address at the Jubilee House with representatives of organised labour, President Mahama said the effort to eradicate unregulated mining faces obstacles not just from entrenched criminal elements but also from persons connected to established power structures.
The President emphasised that the problem cuts across party lines and persists even when administrations change. “And so I don’t kid myself that we don’t have our own people involved,” he acknowledged, stressing that some of those engaged in the illicit industry simply adapt and continue operations regardless of which political party is in government.
Mahama explained that illegal mining operators often reposition themselves with each transition of power, describing how “even when one party changes, those who were running some operations will go to the next party and say, now that you have come, come and take over this operation and let’s share.”
His comments underlined the complexity of tackling galamsey, which has devastated Ghana’s forests, polluted rivers and become deeply entrenched in parts of society. The President’s remarks reflect widespread concerns that the fight against the trade cannot succeed without confronting political and traditional complicity.
Galamsey has been a central issue in national discourse for years, drawing criticism from environmental groups and civil society, who argue that enforcement efforts must be backed by stronger accountability and political will.