President John Dramani Mahama has extended an invitation to civil society organisations (CSOs) for a national dialogue on illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), aimed at developing lasting solutions to the challenge.
The engagement, scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon, will take place at the Jubilee House.
According to a letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the meeting will provide “a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge.”
Read Also: ‘Stop Now or Be Named and Shamed’ – Elikem Kotoko Warns Galamsey Operators
This initiative comes on the heels of sharp criticisms President Mahama received over his recent comments on galamsey during a press encounter at the Jubilee House.
Civil society activist Dr. Steve Manteaw argued that the President’s remarks strayed from the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s electoral pledges. In a Facebook post titled “My take on John Dramani Mahama’s comments on galamsey”, Dr. Manteaw said the President’s focus was tilted toward the economic gains of small-scale gold exports, downplaying the enormous environmental, food security, health, and water security costs.
He cautioned that such a stance risks breaching international guidelines on responsible mineral sourcing, potentially exposing Ghana to money laundering, organised crime, and even international sanctions. While noting that the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is working on a gold traceability system using blockchain technology to curb illegal mining, he urged the President to highlight such reforms rather than appear to be surrendering in the fight against galamsey.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey also criticised the President’s position, describing it as uninspiring and inadequate in addressing what they called “unprecedented environmental terrorism.”
In a September 11, 2025 statement signed by its Convenor, Kenneth Ashigbey, the Coalition said government’s handling of the galamsey crisis has been a “disappointment,” citing polluted water bodies, devastated forests, and displaced farmers as evidence of worsening conditions.
The group rejected government’s withdrawal of police task forces from anti-galamsey operations, arguing that despite their flaws, the units had instilled fear in illegal miners and contained the situation. They challenged the President to name a single licensed small-scale mining company currently engaged in responsible practices.
The Coalition also took issue with President Mahama’s assertion that alternatives must be provided before pursuing illegal miners, saying this approach “emboldens illegality.” They further criticised his rejection of calls for a state of emergency, insisting that conditions on the ground have deteriorated since his election.
“The circumstances that prevailed when he joined civil society to demand a state of emergency before his election as President have not improved; in fact, some indices have worsened,” the Coalition said.
The group announced plans to hold a comprehensive media briefing on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the International Press Centre, where it will outline further concerns and proposals for tackling the crisis.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem