President John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged that individuals within political circles, including members of his own side, are involved in illegal mining, underscoring the deep-rooted nature of the galamsey crisis.
Speaking at a meeting with Organised Labour at the Jubilee House, the President admitted that the practice cuts across party lines, with operators often shifting allegiance whenever there is a change in government. This, he noted, has allowed illegal mining activities to persist despite ongoing efforts to curb them.
He emphasized that the situation reflects a broader societal problem, involving not only politicians but also traditional leaders and local actors, making enforcement efforts more complex. According to him, some individuals actively seek to maintain their operations by aligning themselves with whichever political group is in power.
Despite the admission, President Mahama maintained that the fight against galamsey must continue, even though it will not yield immediate results. He pointed out that resistance from some communities further complicates the work of anti-illegal mining task forces.
The President reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling the issue, stressing that addressing galamsey will require both political will and collective national responsibility to overcome entrenched interests.
