President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Ghana's arduous fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is beginning to show encouraging results. Speaking at the 77th Annual New Year School conference at the University of Ghana in Accra, President Mahama urged all stakeholders involved in the anti-galamsey campaign to remain steadfast, citing early signs of success in restoring previously affected water bodies.

The President commended the collaborative efforts of various institutions, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), and dedicated river guards. He specifically praised the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, and the anti-illegal mining task force for their commitment. Mahama acknowledged that the battle has been far from easy, noting that galamsey has become deeply entrenched in some communities, often leading to resistance and violent attacks on enforcement teams. Despite these significant challenges, he stressed the importance of not giving up, as tangible progress is now visible.

To illustrate the positive impact of these interventions, President Mahama shared a personal observation from his recent visit to the Crown Forest area during the Christmas period. During this retreat, he witnessed a notable improvement in the Ayensu River, which flows near areas previously ravaged by illegal mining activities. He recounted how, just six months prior, the river bore the dark, coffee-like hue characteristic of severe mining pollution. Today, he observed that the river has become visibly clearer, now taking on a lighter appearance, akin to 'light milo'. This remarkable transformation, he explained, is a direct result of sustained upstream operations by NAIMOS and the river guards, who have actively worked to curb illegal mining at the river's source.

President Mahama reiterated his appreciation for the tireless work of NAIMOS and the river guards, encouraging them to not only keep up the fight but also to strengthen their efforts. He emphasized that these visible gains should serve as a powerful motivation to intensify the campaign against galamsey and protect Ghana’s vital natural resources for future generations. The government, he added, is complementing these enforcement efforts with broader environmental and climate-focused policies, including the implementation of sustainable mining practices, vigorous protection of forests and water bodies, investment in renewable energy, and strengthening climate adaptation measures for vulnerable communities.

The President's message underscored a renewed resolve to tackle environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, highlighting that sustained effort and inter-agency cooperation are critical to achieving lasting recovery and ensuring a healthier environment for all Ghanaians.