Ghana's Vicious Galamsey War: Politicians Embroiled in Blame Game as Crisis Deepens

The fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in Ghana has reached a critical juncture, drawing sharp criticism from various stakeholders who accuse the Mahama administration of insufficient commitment and ineffective strategies. This pervasive menace, discussed extensively on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 31, continues to cause widespread environmental devastation, including the pollution of vital water bodies, destruction of forest reserves, and infrastructure collapse.

Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), expressed profound disappointment, stating that the government’s actions have not matched the urgency and seriousness required to tackle the crisis, especially given the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) strong stance on the issue while in opposition. He articulated a sense of disappointment, not misled, emphasizing the visible impact of galamsey, such as caving roads and polluted rivers. Braimah questioned the progress of the government's proposed cooperative mining arrangements, noting that by October, only 11 groups had been established over almost two years. Economist Prof Godfred Bokpin from the University of Ghana echoed this, calling for a national review, arguing that the government’s interventions appear inadequate compared to the scale of destruction. He stressed the need to assess progress against clear targets, rather than solely by arrests and equipment seizures, stating that the current response is "far less in proportion to the scale of disaster we are dealing with."

The political dimension of the crisis has also intensified, with accusations of complicity within the governing party. Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Communications Director of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), vehemently accused the NDC government of a "spectacular failure," presenting contaminated water as tangible evidence. He strongly denounced attempts to involve former President Nana Akufo-Addo in the current debate, insisting accountability rests with the present administration. Aboagye further alleged that it is "NDC people and their executives" who are primarily engaged in galamsey, claiming the party has been an "enabler of galamsey" since 2009 and that the situation consistently worsens under their rule. He cited historical comments from a former Environment Minister, Mahama Ayariga, in 2013, allegedly suggesting the legalization of illegal mining due to the involvement of influential figures. Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Tua, an expert in International Law and Human Rights, reinforced this, describing illegal mining as a "transnational organised crime" driven by profit, coercion, violence, and corruption, involving sophisticated networks that include political actors and government appointees.

Concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement and the prosecution of influential individuals are also prominent. Awula Serwah, Executive Director of Eco-Conscious Citizens, warned that Ghana remains in a "national emergency," making little meaningful progress. She questioned whether "politically connected persons or so-called high fliers" involved in illegal mining were actually being arrested and prosecuted, noting the continued presence of chanfang machines and excavators on water bodies. Serwah also raised critical questions about the operational capacity of anti-galamsey task forces like the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), highlighting a lack of essential equipment such as bulletproof vests and speedboats, despite acknowledging NAIMOS’s dedicated efforts with limited resources.

The Christian Council of Ghana, through its Vice Chairman Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Kwakye, questioned the government's confusing policy signals. He highlighted statements from public officers suggesting that mining without a license is permissible outside forest reserves and water bodies, which he argued undermines the entire fight against galamsey. He recounted an incident where a church congregation was asked to relocate for mining activities, supported by chiefs and local community leaders, illustrating the permissive nature of the practice and appealing for consistent government policy.

Despite these criticisms, some government actions and initiatives have been reported. President John Dramani Mahama disclosed the confiscation of over 8,200 illegal mining items, including 135 excavators and nearly 200 firearms. He also announced plans to reclaim 5,000 acres of degraded land from 2027, backed by a GH¢200 million allocation, alongside expanded river protection operations. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has reported significant successes, including the interception of 65 brand new Changfang machines on suspicion of being intended for water polluting galamsey activities in Nzema East and Aowin municipalities. A NAIMOS Task Force operating from Enchi intercepted a truck with 43 chanfang machines, 28 water pumps, and other mining components at Akontombra Nkwanta, two days after destroying 28 chanfang machines at Eshaem. NAIMOS’s "Operation Water Shield," an intelligence-led enforcement campaign launched in September 2026, has reportedly led to a "greatly reduced" number of chanfang machines on the River Tano, as stated in a Facebook post on Friday, October 30, 2026, by spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf. The operation targets major rivers and seeks to dismantle machinery and prevent miners from returning.

The direct impact of galamsey was starkly illustrated by the collapse of the bridge over River Kukubu in the Abesua community, Atwima Mponua District, which cut off several communities. Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of two Unit Committee members and two illegal miners, with allegations that the local leaders collected money and leased land around the bridge for mining. These suspects are expected to be arraigned before court by Monday, November 3, 2026. Emergency repair works have commenced to restore access for affected residents, who depend on the route for economic activities, health access, and schoolchildren's commute, but they are urging for a new, permanent bridge.

Amidst these challenges, Sulemana Braimah emphasized that galamsey has "spiralled beyond control," calling for honesty and a united national response that transcends political blame games. He urged both the NDC and NPP to acknowledge the involvement of their own members and to set aside partisan differences to confront what he termed a "common enemy." Braimah also highlighted the economic realities driving many young people into illegal mining, stressing that simply flushing them out is unsustainable without providing viable alternatives through organized, regulated mining practices. This multifaceted crisis demands sustained commitment, practical solutions, and transparent accountability from all levels of governance to avert an ecological catastrophe for Ghana.