President John Dramani Mahama has declared galamsey—a colloquial term for illegal small-scale gold mining—a national emergency, following escalating environmental damage in regions such as Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso .
“We are alarmed by the environmental destruction… this is a national emergency,” he emphasized during his Western North Region ‘Thank You Tour’ durbar.
He reaffirmed that enforcement by the official national taskforce will persist with full intensity to halt illegal mining in forest reserves and water bodies.
President Mahama also condemned unauthorised taskforces—vigilante-style groups exploiting licensed small-scale miners. He has ordered authorities to arrest and prosecute anyone found extorting or disrupting legitimate operators.
The emergency declaration comes in response to mounting pressure from civil society groups such as the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, which had urged the President to act decisively as early as February and June 2025. In parallel, government forces have escalated enforcement efforts, including a recent NAIMOS taskforce operation that led to the seizure of five excavators in the Assin North District on June 17, 2025—underscoring the administration’s commitment to curbing illegal mining.
These actions are crucial for safeguarding the environment by halting land degradation and water pollution linked to illegal mining. They also provide regulatory clarity by reaffirming that only officially mandated state taskforces are permitted to operate, reducing space for unauthorized groups. Additionally, the move signals a strong legal deterrent, as the government is set to prosecute not just illegal miners, but also rogue enforcement actors who undermine lawful operations.
Authorities are ramping up enforcement efforts in illegal mining hotspots including Awaso, Dadieso, Sefwi-Anhwiaso, and Assin North, with the national taskforce expected to intensify operations. Investigations are also underway to clamp down on vigilante groups accused of extorting licensed miners. These efforts may see increased deployment of military and police units to reinforce the state of emergency measures. The government is expected to provide regular public updates and impose sanctions where necessary to maintain transparency and assert control.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
