A founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has issued a stark warning about the destructive effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, urging Ghanaians to take immediate action to stop the environmental and social devastation Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has sounded an urgent alarm over the unchecked spread of illegal mining, or galamsey, across Ghana. In a passionate statement, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe declared, “For years, I have spoken about the dangers of galamsey, and today I must speak again, louder and clearer: illegal mining is destroying Ghana, and we cannot afford to look away any longer.” Drawing from his own observations, he described the heartbreaking transformation of Ghana’s rivers, forests, and farmlands. “The Pra, Birim, Ankobra, and countless others have turned into lifeless streams of mud and poison. Communities that once drank clean water now depend on polluted, toxic rivers. Farmers who once tilled fertile land now stand on wastelands scarred by reckless mining,” he lamented. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe warned that galamsey’s impacts extend beyond the environment, threatening public health and social stability. He pointed to rising cases of skin diseases, waterborne infections, and kidney ailments in mining zones, with pregnant women and children among the most vulnerable. “Communities in mining zones are now reporting rising cases of skin diseases, waterborne infections, and even new kidney cases, spread through the influx of transient workers. Pregnant women and children are drinking contaminated water, with long-term effects on their health,” he explained. The NPP stalwart also sounded the alarm on food safety, noting that toxic chemicals from galamsey have seeped into the food chain. “Fish, vegetables, and staple crops are being poisoned, creating a silent epidemic of food contamination. Ghanaians are unknowingly eating poison every day because of galamsey. This is not speculation—this is happening now,” he stressed. Describing galamsey as a “cancer destroying our country,” Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe blamed political interference, corruption, and selective justice for allowing the menace to persist. He insisted that the Ghana Armed Forces have the capacity to end galamsey swiftly—if only politicians would allow them to act without interference. To combat the crisis, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe proposed several urgent measures: declaring galamsey a national emergency, depoliticising enforcement, holding all actors accountable, restoring damaged land and rivers, providing alternative livelihoods for the youth, and ensuring transparency in licensing. He called on all Ghanaians, citizens, chiefs, journalists, civil society, and faith leaders, to speak out against galamsey, warning that “silence is complicity. Neutrality is betrayal.” Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe also appealed to the international community for tangible support and accountability, urging a united front in the fight to save Ghana’s environment and future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

President John Mahama addressed the media and set the record straight: not a single license has been granted for mining in Ghana’s forest reserves since his government assumed office. Determined to underline his administration’s dedication to environmental protection, President Mahama revealed that his government is taking concrete steps to repeal L.I. 2462, the law that currently permits mining activities in these sensitive ecological areas. “Steps are currently underway to repeal L.I. 2462 to formalize our commitment to end mining in forest reserves. Let me be clear, since my administration resumed office not a single license has been issued to any company to mine in our forest reserves,” President Mahama declared, emphasizing that this move would reinforce the government’s resolve to safeguard Ghana’s forests. Backing the President’s pledge, the Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has officially written to the Office of the Attorney General, requesting the immediate revocation of both L.I. 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501. A statement from the Ministry, dated August 29, 2025, and signed by Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, explained that this action aims to strengthen the legal framework against illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’ The Ministry’s statement further noted that repealing these laws is a crucial step in stopping the environmental destruction that has polluted Ghana’s water bodies and degraded its forest reserves. It also affirmed that the Environmental Protection Agency’s current guidelines already provide robust oversight for responsible mining practices. L.I. 2462, which was introduced under the EPA Act, allowed for the granting of mining licenses within forest reserves if the President approved the activity under the guise of “national interest.” However, this regulation drew heavy criticism from civil society and environmental advocates, who blamed it for escalating ecological damage. In October 2024, the then Attorney-General had already presented a new legal instrument to Parliament—the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Revocation) Instrument, 2024, seeking to make all mining in forest reserves illegal. President Mahama’s recent announcement, reinforced by decisive ministerial action, marks a new chapter in Ghana’s efforts to protect its natural heritage for generations to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

President John Dramani Mahama has extended heartfelt gratitude to 13 residents of Sikaman-Brofoyedu, whose courageous efforts were instrumental in recovering the bodies of eight victims from the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. On Wednesday, August 27, National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah visited the community on behalf of the President to personally thank the rescuers and deliver a robust package of government support. The devastating crash, which occurred in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve in the Adansi Akrofrom District, claimed the lives of eight notable officials, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who were on official assignment. Addressing the residents, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah conveyed the President’s deep appreciation: “President Mahama has asked me to represent him and thank the residents who helped us recover the bodies of our eight men. We have a plaque for all of you in honour of what you did.” In addition to the symbolic gesture, the government presented a substantial financial package, announcing a cash donation for the 13 individuals directly involved in the rescue operation. The Adansi Traditional Council also received GHS20,000 to support traditional rites. Mr. Asiedu Nketiah assured the community that any outstanding needs would be addressed, emphasizing government’s ongoing commitment. Looking beyond immediate support, President Mahama has pledged lasting benefits for the rescuers and the community. All 13 individuals who aided in the recovery will be offered jobs suited to their abilities, and the President has promised to address local infrastructure, including a commitment to fix the community’s road. “President Mahama has also assured to fix your road,” Mr. Asiedu Nketiah affirmed, marking the government’s resolve to honour bravery with tangible action and ongoing support. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has pushed back against growing calls to declare a state of emergency as the ultimate fix for illegal mining, widely known as galamsey. Addressing the matter, the Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, urged the public and stakeholders to avoid treating such a declaration as a magic solution. Schandorf pointed out that many of the robust measures typically associated with emergency powers are already in play. “Declaring a state of emergency means the military will come into full scope, and we have done military deployment already,” he explained, adding that these interventions are beginning to pay off. He emphasized that, unlike in previous years when drastic measures were required, the government’s sustained efforts have significantly curbed galamsey activities. According to Schandorf, the country has now moved out of the “red zone,” and attention should shift to building on the progress made so far. Rather than seeking extraordinary actions, Schandorf called on all stakeholders to focus on education and consistent enforcement to secure lasting results. He assured the public that the government remains dedicated to stamping out illegal mining and consolidating the gains made in the ongoing fight against galamsey. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Anti-Galamsey Coalition, has called for the immediate arrest of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Organiser, Joseph Yamin, and the party’s National Vice Chairman, Yakubu Abanga, citing their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities. Dr. Ashigbey voiced his concerns on Accra-based Channel One TV on August 18, stressing the need for law enforcement agencies to act without political bias in the ongoing fight against galamsey. The call for action follows a directive from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, dated July 15, 2025, instructing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to conduct a full-scale investigation into Yamin and Abanga after recent reports linked them to unauthorized mining operations. Despite the Attorney-General’s order, Dr. Ashigbey expressed disappointment over EOCO’s lack of visible action, urging them to treat the case with the same urgency as previous investigations, such as that of Akonta Mining involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi. “The NDC’s National Organiser, National Vice Chairman, have been pointed out by the AG to investigate them. Unfortunately, EOCO, we have not heard anything from you. Just as they did to Akonta Mining [Chairman Wontumi], they should arrest these two gentlemen and conduct the investigations,” Dr. Ashigbey stated. He emphasized that consistent enforcement of the law, regardless of political affiliation, is essential to effectively combat illegal mining. Dr. Ashigbey also called for prosecution in the case involving Chairman Wontumi, expressing concern over the silence following his arrest by EOCO, and urged that the NDC Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Larbi, be investigated after local chiefs linked him to illegal mining activities. His comments come in the wake of the tragic August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives. The victims were reportedly en route to a galamsey-related event when the accident occurred. In response, the government has announced a renewed crackdown on illegal mining across the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Mr. Benjamin Quarshie, painted a vivid picture of the urgent need to curb illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, in Ghana. Mr. Quarshie did not mince words as he proposed bold and controversial steps to deter illegal miners. “The galamseyers must be made to drink water from the contaminated rivers if arrested, so they come to terms with the destruction they have caused,” he stated. His remarks were aimed at driving home the devastating environmental impact galamsey has had on Ghana’s water bodies and communities. Drawing on his observations from South Africa, Mr. Quarshie recounted how a tragic landslide involving illegal miners, known there as Zama Zama, prompted the South African authorities to take a hardline approach. The government’s refusal to show leniency or sympathy, he explained, discouraged others from continuing such environmentally destructive activities. Mr. Quarshie emphasized that Ghana must shift its focus beyond the small-scale operators, whom he referred to as “the small flies.” Instead, he called on the government to go after the real kingpins and financiers who fuel illegal mining operations across the country. To find a sustainable solution, Mr. Quarshie advocated for a national dialogue on galamsey. He urged all stakeholders to come together and address the environmental and socio-economic challenges posed by illegal mining, hoping that such a conversation would pave the way for long-term strategies to combat the menace. With these strong words and practical suggestions, Mr. Quarshie has set the stage for renewed debate on how Ghana can finally put an end to galamsey. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Executive Director of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has called on the government to seize the moment of national mourning, following the loss of eight Ghana Armed Forces personnel in a helicopter crash, to declare a targeted state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. Serwah’s appeal comes in the wake of the Z-9 Air Force helicopter tragedy in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of all eight officers on board. She emphasized that the sacrifice of the “fallen eight,” as well as others who have died protecting Ghana’s natural resources, must mark a decisive turning point in the country’s efforts to end galamsey. “The deaths of the eight victims, along with others who have lost their lives in the fight against galamsey, should serve as a turning point in combating the menace,” Serwah said. She stressed that the battle against illegal mining could not continue as business as usual, warning that history would judge the current generation harshly if decisive steps were not taken. Serwah urged the government to recognize galamsey as an existential threat, not only to Ghana’s environment but also to its security. She called for the translation of political rhetoric into concrete action, arguing that the moment demands bold, targeted measures to honor the sacrifices made by the fallen and to chart a new course for the nation’s natural heritage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com