Mahama Declares Galamsey a National Emergency, Demands Action Against Unauthorized Taskforces

Mahama Declares Illegal Mining a National Emergency, Orders Crackdown on Rogue Taskforces

Former President John Dramani Mahama has declared illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, a national emergency, citing the alarming destruction of forest reserves and water bodies across parts of the Western North Region. He has also called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals forming unauthorized task forces under the guise of combating illegal mining.

Speaking during a community durbar as part of his ‘Thank You Tour’ in the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, Mahama expressed deep concern over the environmental devastation he personally observed in areas such as Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso. These locations, he said, reflect the worsening scale of destruction being caused by unregulated and illegal mining operations.

“I am deeply disturbed by what I have seen and what has been reported across these areas,” he said. “The destruction of our forests, the pollution of our rivers—it is devastating. Let me be clear: this is not just a local issue. This is a national emergency that demands urgent, coordinated action.”

Mahama stressed the need for stronger enforcement measures to protect the country’s natural resources, adding that the national anti-galamsey task force will continue its operations to halt illegal activities, especially in sensitive ecological zones.

However, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling galamsey, the former president condemned what he described as “criminal opportunism” by individuals posing as part of the fight against illegal mining. He accused unauthorized groups—so-called anti-galamsey taskforces—of engaging in extortion and harassment of legally licensed small-scale miners.

“I have received disturbing reports about the presence of fake anti-galamsey task forces extorting money from legitimate small-scale miners who are operating within the law,” he stated. “Let me send a strong warning: these actions are illegal and will not be tolerated.”

Mahama said he had already instructed the relevant authorities to arrest and prosecute all individuals found guilty of impersonating law enforcement or task force officials under the pretense of regulating mining operations.

“This behavior undermines our fight against illegal mining and erodes trust in law enforcement,” he noted. “Those involved will face the full rigors of the law.”

The former president emphasized that while illegal mining poses a serious threat to Ghana’s environment, the solution must not involve victimizing law-abiding miners. Instead, he called for clear regulations, fair enforcement, and support for responsible small-scale mining as part of a broader national strategy.

“We must draw a sharp line between those destroying our environment and those operating legally,” he said. “Our approach must be firm but just. We cannot allow criminality to hide behind a noble cause.”

Mahama’s comments have drawn praise from environmental groups and local residents, many of whom have expressed frustration over the continued destruction of forests and rivers, as well as the actions of rogue groups taking advantage of the situation.

In closing, Mahama called for a united national front in addressing illegal mining, emphasizing that the issue transcends politics and requires a collective, sustained effort from both government and citizens.

“Our future depends on the choices we make today,” he said. “If we allow our forests and rivers to be destroyed, we endanger not just this generation but the next. We must act now—and act together.”

His declaration marks one of the strongest public stances taken yet on the galamsey issue, as public outcry over environmental degradation continues to grow across the country.