, describing his posture as uninspiring and a betrayal of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) earlier promises to Ghanaians.){kind=link}
Civil society voices have sharply criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s recent comments on illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), describing his posture as uninspiring and a betrayal of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) earlier promises to Ghanaians.
Speaking on Thursday, September 11, 2025, civil society activist Dr. Steve Manteaw said the President’s remarks at the September 10 Presidential Media Encounter fell short of the bold action needed to address the menace.
Echoing similar concerns, the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, in a strongly worded statement signed by its Convenor, Kenneth Ashigbey, said the President’s response “does not inspire hope” in the fight against galamsey, which it described as “unprecedented environmental terrorism.”
“This government’s handling of the galamsey crisis is a disappointment to us all; this government is failing us,” the Coalition declared.
The group criticised the government’s decision to withdraw police forces from anti-galamsey operations, calling it “misplaced.” According to them, though imperfect, the police task force had demonstrated fearlessness and achieved relative success in bringing the situation under control.
The Coalition further challenged the Presidency to name any licensed small-scale mining company engaged in responsible mining practices.
“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 statement questioned.
On President Mahama’s position that alternatives must be provided before miners are pursued, the group argued that such reasoning only “justifies and emboldens illegality.” They warned that his stance undermines the severity of a crisis that has contaminated over 60% of Ghana’s water bodies with heavy metals, displaced farmers, and destroyed forest reserves.
The Coalition also rejected the President’s dismissal of calls for a state of emergency in dealing with galamsey, stressing that the situation has not improved since he assumed office.
“Some of the indices have worsened,” the group insisted, recalling Mahama’s own past support for a state of emergency when he was in opposition.
The Coalition announced that it will hold a comprehensive media briefing on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the International Press Center to outline its next steps.