Tag: Galamsey

CPP Disowns Petition to Impeach Mahama Over Galamsey

Jasmine Adjei

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has publicly distanced itself from an impeachment petition reportedly filed by its former running mate, Wayoe Ghanamannti, against President John Dramani Mahama. In a statement dated October 22, 2025, signed by CPP Chairperson Wing Commander Patrick Nelson Sogbodjor, the party clarified that its Central Committee the highest decision-making body did not authorize any such action. The CPP urged the public to disregard attempts to link the party to the petition. Ghanamannti, who ran as the CPP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2024 elections, had earlier announced…

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Galamsey Threatens Agricultural Export- EU Warns

Jasmine Adjei

The European Union (EU) has raised serious concerns about the impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s agricultural exports, citing mercury contamination in farm produce as a growing risk. EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, cautioned that polluted crops could soon face restrictions on international markets.  “I wouldn’t want any consumer to eat sweet potatoes with mercury residues,” he said in an interview with Joy FM, stressing that such contamination could damage Ghana’s export reputation. His comments come amid mounting pressure from civil society and environmental groups…

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State of Emergency Not the Answer to Galamsey – Sukparu Backs Ghana Water MD

Jasmine Adjei

Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has supported the stance of Ghana Water Limited’s Managing Director, Adam Mutawakilu, who opposes calls for a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Mr. Mutawakilu argued that declaring a state of emergency would not offer a lasting solution to the environmental and water resource threats posed by galamsey. Instead, he advocated for more sustainable and practical interventions. Reacting to the remarks on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily,…

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Mercury Exposure from Galamsey Linked to Organ Damage

Jasmine Adjei

The Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) has raised alarm over the growing number of kidney and liver disease cases in areas affected by illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. According to the association, toxic substances like mercury and other heavy metals from mining operations are contaminating water sources, posing serious health risks to residents. Dr. Emmanuel Owiafe, GHOSPA’s National Chairman, voiced these concerns during the Pharmacy Technicians Association of Ghana’s 16th Annual General Conference held in Kumasi. He stressed that the situation is becoming a widespread public health crisis…

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Military Crackdowns Alone Can’t End Galamsey – Mining Coalition Warns

Jasmine Adjei

The National Coalition on Mining has cautioned that relying solely on military and police force to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is not a sustainable solution. Speaking on October 19, coalition member Emmanuel Ellimah emphasized that previous military-led operations such as Operation Flashout under President Kufuor, Operation Cowleg during President Mahama’s tenure, and Operations Vanguard and Halt under President Akufo-Addo have all failed to curb the menace. “If military action could end galamsey, we wouldn’t still be discussing it,” Ellimah stated, urging the government to rethink its strategy.…

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Energy sector in danger as Illegal miners attack power installations -Parliament’s energy committee

Ramar Tee

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy is wary of the impact of illegal mining on the energy sector, as heavy installations are threatened by the activities of illegal miners. The committee has observed increasing destruction of power installations as illegal miners extend their harm to the energy sector. Deputy Ranking Member, Collins Adomako-Mensah, revealed that installations of the Ghana Grid Company and the Bui Power Authority have all come under attack in recent times. The parliamentary committee on energy has an oversight responsibility to investigate and inquire into the administration…

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Six dead, four rescued in galamsey pit collapse in Ashanti Region

Ramar Tee

Six illegal miners have been confirmed dead, while four others have been rescued after a pit collapse at an illegal mining site at Kasotie in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, trapping several miners underground. Rescue efforts, led by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in collaboration with emergency services and local volunteers, are still ongoing as more people are feared trapped. After hours of digging through rubble, rescue teams recovered the bodies of the six deceased miners. Four others were pulled…

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CSOs ready to press Mahama for definition of success in galamsey fight – Ken Ashigbey

Ramar Tee

The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, says civil society organisations are preparing to demand clarity from President John Mahama on what constitutes success in the fight against illegal mining. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, the CEO of the Chamber of Mines said the coalition has long been waiting for this invitation to the Jubilee House. “We have been waiting for this invitation, because the coalition had written to His Excellency, the President, and he had directed that we meet with the Minister for…

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Galamsey is a cancer destroying Ghana; I will not keep quiet – Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe writes

Ramar Tee

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. I have seen with my own eyes the devastation of our 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.…

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State of emergency is not necessary in the fight of Galamsey- Mahama

Jasmine Adjei

President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that his government is not eager to invoke a state of emergency in addressing illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.  He believes that the current legal framework already offers sufficient tools to confront the issue effectively. During a media briefing in Accra on Wednesday, September 10, the President acknowledged the mounting public demand for decisive action but urged caution, warning against prematurely adopting emergency measures. “I’ve held back from declaring a state of emergency in the galamsey fight because we haven’t yet fully utilized the…

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