By McDonald Amankwah
Dr Kwaku Anane-Gyinde, a law lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has expressed frustration over Ghana’s continued fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, saying efforts to tackle the menace have failed to produce lasting results.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show on Monday, September 7, 2026, Dr Anane-Gyinde alleged that some political and state actors, including District Chief Executives (DCEs), Members of Parliament, ministers and police officers, are aware of activities linked to illegal mining.
According to him, the alleged involvement of individuals within political and security structures makes it difficult for authorities to deal decisively with the menace.
“Nobody can fight galamsey in this country,” he said, adding, “For me, I’ve given up.”
Dr Anane-Gyinde also raised concerns about the extent of illegal mining along the Black Volta, claiming that the water body is heavily populated with changfan and other mining equipment.
He questioned the effectiveness of some government measures aimed at combating illegal mining, suggesting that certain interventions are being undertaken mainly to create a positive public perception rather than permanently address the problem.
“What they are doing is just for optics,” he said.
Dr Anane-Gyinde further alleged that the problem cuts across Ghana’s two major political parties, claiming that individuals associated with both the NDC and NPP are involved in or connected to illegal mining activities.
His comments come amid continued concerns over the persistence of illegal mining and its impact on Ghana’s rivers, forests and other natural resources.
The government has introduced several measures to combat galamsey, including enforcement operations and efforts to protect water bodies and forest reserves, but illegal mining remains a major environmental challenge.
