By: Ashiadey Dotse
The President, John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed his strong commitment to ending illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey in Ghana, saying he will “never give up the fight” against the destructive activity.
“I wish to assure you as your President that I will never, never give up the fight,” he said.
He made this declaration on Saturday, November 8, 2025, during his address at the 2025 GJA/KGL Media Awards held in Kumasi.
President Mahama said illegal mining has deeply damaged Ghana’s environment, river bodies, and farmlands, and warned that the nation risks destroying itself if the fight is not taken seriously.
He noted that although government continues to push forward with alternative livelihood programmes, some communities still protect illegal miners and even attack security officers and journalists working to expose the problem.
The President said he had received reports of journalists who were injured while covering illegal mining operations and has directed the Chief of Staff to cater for their medical bills.
He added that programmes such as the 24-hour economy initiative, Feed Ghana, Poultry Revitalisation, and the National Apprenticeship Programme are being rolled out to create jobs and reduce the temptation for young people to depend on illegal mining for survival.
President Mahama also announced that the Environmental Protection Agency has begun a 1,000-hectare pilot land reclamation project under a public-private partnership model, with the aim of replanting destroyed lands with fast-growing and economic tree species such as oil palm. He said the goal is to eventually reclaim an estimated 30,000 hectares of land destroyed by galamsey.
The President further commended journalists Erastus Asare Donkoh and Ohemeng Tawiah, who put their lives at risk to expose environmental crimes, describing them as patriotic and essential to Ghana’s future.
He stressed that the fight against galamsey is not optional but necessary for national survival and assured the country that his government will stay firm.
President Mahama ended his address by urging the media to continue holding leaders accountable, while the government also protects the environment for future generations.
