President John Dramani Mahama has drawn a firm line in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining by shifting focus to cleaning up corruption within the very taskforces meant to stop it.
While reiterating his administration’s commitment to ending the environmental destruction caused by “galamsey,” President Mahama warned during his Thank You Tour in Sefwi Juaboso that law enforcement personnel found abusing their power to extort licensed small-scale miners will face arrest and prosecution.
The President’s comments follow increasing complaints that some members of anti-galamsey operations are allegedly turning the campaign into a money-making racket, extorting bribes from registered miners under the guise of enforcement.
“I am deeply disturbed by reports that certain individuals wearing uniforms are harassing legal operators for personal gain,” Mahama stated. “That is criminal, and it undermines everything we are trying to achieve in preserving our forests, rivers, and farmlands.”
President Mahama emphasized that no one, including security personnel, is above the law, adding that taskforce members who engage in extortion are sabotaging national efforts and will be held accountable.
In regions such as Awaso, Dadiaso, and Sefianyanso, communities continue to grapple with the fallout from illegal mining — polluted rivers, deforested land, and public health risks. Mahama acknowledged these crises as a “national emergency”, and promised that operations would be intensified to secure natural resources.
However, he was quick to caution that legitimate small-scale miners must be protected and not punished unjustly by rogue officers.
“I’ve instructed law enforcement authorities to act swiftly. Any individual—regardless of rank or position—who abuses their authority for personal gain will be prosecuted,” he warned.
The President’s directive signals a new layer of reform in the galamsey fight: not just confronting illegal miners, but ensuring the integrity of the state apparatus charged with ending the menace.
