President John Dramani Mahama has addressed the devastating effects of illegal mining, commonly known as ‘Galamsey,’ on Ghana’s environment.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA2025) in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Mahama stated that the destructive practice of Galamsey has caused severe damage to the country’s forests, contributing to significant land degradation and the pollution of critical water sources. “Illegal mining has inflicted tremendous harm on our forests, leading to the degradation of land and contamination of vital water sources,” he said.
He also pointed out the alarming scale of the problem, revealing that 44 of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves have been affected by illegal mining activities. “This is an area equivalent to approximately 7,504 football pitches,” Mahama noted.
The impact of Galamsey goes beyond land and forests. Mahama highlighted that pollution levels in key rivers within the Southwestern Basin are dangerously high, with turbidity levels far exceeding permissible limits. “The pollution in our rivers has reached critical levels, endangering public health and the environment,” he added.
To tackle the escalating crisis, Mahama unveiled a series of proactive measures aimed at curbing illegal mining. “We are adopting a strong and fair approach, which includes rigorous law enforcement, effective stakeholder engagement, and the establishment of alternative livelihood programs for affected communities,” he said.
The president also outlined efforts to enhance the regulatory framework. “We are expanding the Minerals Commission’s regional offices to improve oversight and ensure better monitoring of mining activities,” Mahama explained. He also announced that a new framework would categorize mining operations into small, medium, and large-scale activities, each with specific regulations to ensure sustainable practices.
“We recognize the urgency of addressing this issue to protect our natural resources and public health,” Mahama concluded.
