Manasseh Azure Awuni an award-winning investigative journalist has once again waded into the topical galamsey menace destroying Ghana’s forest and river bodies.
According to Manasseh Azure, if President John Mahama wants all galamsey operators out of the forest the president can do it in two weeks.
He asserted that President Mahama can ensure that is done if he wants to.
In a post on social media platform X, Manasseh Azure stated, “If President Mahama wants all galamsey operators to leave the forests in two weeks, he CAN do it. He CAN ensure that it is done.”
However, a secret village in the Western Region made up of 10,000 people engaged in illegal mining activities (galamsey) has been discovered.
Military personnel and officers from the Forestry Commission in a joint operation discovered the village and burnt it to the ground.
The secret village is said to be named Abrewa Ne Nkran Community and was discovered deep within the Subri River Forest Reserve. The village is said to be inhabited by both Ghanaians and foreign nationals from Nigeria, Guinea, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
According to a report by Joy News, residents of Abrewa Ne Nkran are allegedly involved in various forms of criminal activity, including child prostitution, drug abuse, counterfeit operations, and suspected human trafficking.
In a dawn operation carried out on Tuesday, 14 April 2025, the task force raided the settlement, expecting to find approximately 2,000 inhabitants. However, they were shocked to discover over 10,000 residents living in the village.
Additionally, 456 Blue Water Guards trained by the Ghana Navy passed out on Monday, 14th April 2025.
They are set to deploy 456 Blue Water Guards, specially trained by the Ghana Navy.
According to reports the Blue Water Guards are to protect and monitor water bodies in mining areas affected by illegal mining activities.
Meanwhile, Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, a Ghanaian media personality has announced a three-day demonstration against the John Mahama administration over their handling of the galamsey menace.
The three-day demo is scheduled to take place between April 28th to 30th, 2025 on the theme “Ghana’s Future Is Worth Fighting For”.
Okatakyie Afrifa has rallied citizens to rise and speak out against what he described as a national crisis threatening the country’s environment, natural resources, and future prosperity.
Afrifa in a public message stated, “Our water, our air, our land, our future! Let’s come together to protect Ghana’s environment from the devastating effects of galamsey”.
In a Facebook post, Okatakyie stated, “ This is a call to action for our future not a battleground for politics. We must remember that our existence is being threatened by the devastating effect of this inhumane practice. Join us on 28th, 29th and 30th April. #GalamseyMustFall #GhanaDeservesBetter”
“We’re not just protesting, we’re proposing solutions. Join the conversation on sustainable development and environmental protection,” he said.
See the post below:
If President Mahama wants all galamsey operators to leave the forests in two weeks, he CAN do it. He CAN ensure that it is done.
— Manasseh Azure Awuni (@Manasseh_Azure) April 15, 2025
