By: Harry Graphic
Former Chairperson of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Hajia Hamdatu Ibrahim, has called on President Mahama to impose a six-month curfew on all illegal mining (galamsey) across the country. She made these calls while speaking on GTV’s breakfast show on Friday November 7, 2025.
Her call comes in the wake of a recent attack on officials from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and a journalist who were reportedly assaulted during an operation on the ongoing fight against galamsey.
Hajia Hamdatu described the incident as a “national embarrassment” and a sign that illegal miners and the communities have become emboldened, operating with impunity despite government efforts to curb the menace.
According to Hajia Hamdatu, the imposition of a temporary curfew would allow the security agencies to take full control of affected areas and dismantle the powerful networks sustaining illegal mining operations.
She explained that such a measure, though drastic, would help restore law and order while creating room for the state to restructure and properly regulate small-scale mining.
“We cannot continue losing lives, destroying our water bodies, and degrading our environment while criminals operate freely,” she emphasized.
She further urged the President to couple the curfew with a national task force made up of security agencies, environmental experts, and community leaders to monitor and rehabilitate affected areas. Hajia Hamdatu maintained that the protection of Ghana’s natural resources should be treated as a matter of national security, not partisan politics. She concluded by commending journalists and officials who continue to risk their safety in the fight against galamsey, urging government to ensure justice for those attacked.
