“I Will Never Give Up the Fight” – Mahama Renews War on Galamsey

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to end illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing it as a fight for the nation’s very survival.

Speaking at 29th Ghana Journalist Association Award ceremony at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi themed on environmental protection, Mr. Mahama said the destruction caused by illegal mining threatens the country’s future, emphasizing that collective action is essential to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.

“The theme of tonight’s event reminds us that protecting Ghana’s future requires a united stand against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey,” he said. “This is not a matter of convenience. It is essential for our very survival as a nation.”

The President acknowledged the complexity of the fight, noting that galamsey has become deeply entrenched in some communities, where residents sometimes resist law enforcement efforts.

“Illegal mining has so deeply ingrained itself in the fabric of our society that despite the obvious damage it causes to our environment, entire communities mobilize and confront security personnel when they arrive to combat illegal mining operations,” President Mahama lamented.

He revealed that just a day earlier, journalists and officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came under attack while carrying out their duties.

“Only yesterday, I received news of an accident in which some journalists were injured as they retreated from a community mob attack on EPA officials and security officers,” he said. “I wish to notify communities that attack public officials and security personnel performing their lawful duties that firm action will be taken against them.”

Mr. Mahama said he immediately directed his Chief of Staff Mr. Julius Debrah to reach out to the injured journalists to ensure they received medical attention and support.

“Upon receipt of the news, I instructed the Chief of Staff to contact the journalists who were injured, to check on their health and assist with settling any hospital bills and care,” he disclosed.

President Mahama emphasized that while unemployment remains a major challenge, destroying the environment for short-term gain is self-defeating.

“I can understand that our young people have been deprived of opportunity over the years,” he said, “but destroying the environment is like cutting off your nose to spite your face.”

President Mahama highlighted several government initiatives under his leadership aimed at providing alternative livelihoods, including the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, Feed Ghana Program, Poultry Revitalization Program, National Apprenticeship Program, and Million Coders Project.

He further announced plans to expand the Tree for Life Reforestation Program and Blue Water Guards Initiative, designed to restore degraded lands and protect river bodies while providing thousands of jobs for young people.

“I’ve asked the Minister of Finance to increase the budget allocation so we can recruit more youth into forest replanting and Blue River Guards to safeguard our water bodies,” he stated. “These youth will be recruited from communities affected by illegal mining and will receive a monthly stipend of 1,500 Ghana cedis.”

The President also commended journalists who continue to expose environmental crimes at great personal risk, mentioning Erastus Asare Donkor and others who have consistently reported on galamsey activities.

“I wish to commend journalists like Erastus Asare Donkor and my dear brother Ohemeng, who won the Best Reporter on Illegal Mining, and many others who persist in exposing environmental crime at great personal risk to themselves,” he said. “Your bravery is noted. It is patriotic, and your efforts strengthen our moral reserve to continue the fight against illegal mining.”