President John Dramani Mahama has sounded the alarm on the escalating environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, declaring it a “national emergency” and promising decisive action to halt the crisis.
Speaking at a durbar in the Western North Region as part of his ongoing ‘Thank You Tour,’ President Mahama expressed deep concern over the level of degradation in key mining communities, including Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso.
“We are alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining,” the President said. “I must be honest, this is a national emergency.”
Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s forest reserves, rivers, and farmlands. President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to tackling the problem head-on, noting that the National Task Force would intensify its operations to stop illegal activities in forest zones and along water bodies.
But the President did not stop there. He also raised concerns about a troubling new trend: extortion by rogue groups masquerading as anti-galamsey task forces. “I’ve noted the activities of illegal anti-galamsey task forces that go around extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies,” he stated. “I’ve requested that the authorities arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity.”
In a move to bolster security in mining areas and protect the nation’s borders, President Mahama announced the establishment of a forward operating base of the Ghana Armed Forces in Ponikrom. “As requested by Nananom, we are establishing a forward operating base of the Ghana Armed Forces in Ponikrom to respond swiftly to security threats and border-related crimes,” he revealed.
He ended his remarks with a call for unity and peace, stressing that “peace is a precondition for development.”
The President’s pronouncements have been welcomed by local chiefs and residents, who have long decried the damage being done to their land, water sources, and livelihoods. His visit and strong words signal a renewed political will to confront illegal mining, a complex issue that has defied solutions for decades.