President John Dramani Mahama has stated that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is now a national emergency.
Mahama condemned the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining in Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso during his Thank You Tour of the Western North Region.
Speaking at a durbar in the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, Mahama stated, “We are alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining.
I must be honest, this is a national emergency. The national taskforce will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies,” he added.
The president also issued a stern warning to anti-galamsey task forces who have been extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies.
“I have also noticed the activities of the illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies.
“I have requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity,” President Mahama warned.
Meanwhile, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate two NDC National executives.
The two have been identified as Joseph Yamin, the NDC’s National Organiser, and Yakubu Abanga, National Vice Chairman.
On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the Attorney General directed EOCO to interrogate the suspect over their alleged involvement in galamsey activities.
