President John Dramani Mahama has assured civil society groups, faith-based organisations, and environmental advocates that his administration remains fully committed to winning the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholder engagement on Galamsey in Accra on Friday October 3, President Mahama emphasised the importance of public advocacy and accountability in holding the government to its promises.
“I want to assure you that we are determined to win this fight,” the President said, referencing his administration’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities that have devastated Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
In a rare show of openness to criticism, Mahama acknowledged the critical role of civic pressure in driving political action.
“Your contributions, your criticisms, your pressure — putting fire under our feet — we don’t have any problem with that,” he stated.
He further encouraged stakeholders to continue their advocacy, adding that such pressure acts as a necessary force to keep the government accountable and focused on delivering real results.
“You must continue to do your advocacy to urge us on, to encourage us to win the fight,” Mahama said.
The President’s remarks follow renewed calls from groups such as the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which urged the government to set clear benchmarks, prosecute galamsey kingpins, and establish fast-track courts for environmental crimes.
