Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take decisive action in the fight against illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.” Mahama’s remarks come in response to President Akufo-Addo’s request for Mahama to state his position on the issue, which has been a pressing concern in Ghana.
In his response, Mahama did not hesitate to point out that the responsibility for addressing the galamsey crisis rests firmly on the shoulders of President Akufo-Addo. Mahama emphasized that as the sitting president, it is Akufo-Addo’s duty to lead the country in finding solutions to the environmental and economic challenges caused by illegal mining.
“President Akufo-Addo should tell the Jubilee House press to give him my tape on galamsey, which I delivered at the University of Mines and Natural Resources,” Mahama said. He further noted that in recent meetings with clergymen, he reiterated his stance on both galamsey and small-scale mining, making his position on the issue clear.
Mahama also highlighted the fact that his previous speeches have consistently addressed the issue of illegal mining. He expressed surprise that Akufo-Addo would seek a public statement from him on an issue he has been vocal about for years. According to Mahama, his position on galamsey is well-documented, and he believes that the current president has the resources and authority to act on the matter.
He went on to underline that it is Akufo-Addo’s responsibility, as the leader elected by the people of Ghana, to address the ongoing destruction of the environment due to illegal mining. “The people of Ghana elected him, he is currently the president of Ghana, and it is his responsibility to deal with galamsey now,” Mahama stated firmly.
Illegal mining has been a critical issue in Ghana, with its widespread environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies sparking national outrage. Despite numerous government efforts, the problem persists, leading to calls for more effective measures. Mahama believes that tackling the issue requires a comprehensive approach and committed leadership, which he argues is currently lacking.
Mahama also expressed confidence that, should he be elected in the 2024 elections, he will take on the responsibility of dealing with illegal mining head-on. “I know that after 7 January 2025, when Ghanaians have voted for me, I will take that responsibility, and we will sort out illegal mining,” he stated during his campaign tour in Old Ningo, Greater Accra, on Thursday, October 17.
Mahama’s statement is a clear signal of his commitment to addressing the galamsey issue if given the mandate to lead the country again. He appears to be positioning himself as a leader who will prioritize environmental conservation and take tough measures to combat illegal mining. This is a significant aspect of his broader campaign message, which focuses on responsible governance and addressing the pressing issues affecting ordinary Ghanaians.
As the 2024 elections draw closer, the issue of illegal mining is expected to remain a key talking point, with both Mahama and Akufo-Addo facing pressure to present clear strategies to curb the damage caused by galamsey. Mahama’s remarks during his tour of Old Ningo suggest that he will continue to press Akufo-Addo on the matter, while also positioning himself as the candidate capable of solving one of Ghana’s most critical environmental challenges.
Mahama’s latest comments add to a series of exchanges between him and Akufo-Addo over the handling of illegal mining. In the past, Mahama has criticized the current government for its perceived inability to clamp down on galamsey, despite launching initiatives such as Operation Vanguard, which was meant to tackle illegal mining operations across the country. However, these efforts have had limited success, and the issue remains a major concern for many Ghanaians.
For now, Mahama is calling on President Akufo-Addo to take ownership of the issue and act decisively. His message is clear: the responsibility lies with the current government to implement effective policies and enforcement measures to stop illegal mining. The former president’s statements are likely to resonate with voters who are frustrated by the ongoing environmental destruction and the lack of progress in addressing the galamsey menace.
As Mahama continues his campaign tour in the Greater Accra region, his call for action on illegal mining is expected to be a central theme of his message to voters. He is seeking to present himself as a leader who will not only acknowledge the challenges facing the country but also take concrete steps to address them. By contrasting his approach with that of the current government, Mahama hopes to build momentum toward a successful election bid in 2024.
The fight against illegal mining is one of the many issues on which Mahama is basing his campaign, as he aims to win back the presidency in the upcoming elections. With the stakes high, Mahama’s focus on galamsey, alongside other pressing national concerns, is likely to shape the political discourse in the months leading up to the vote.
His commitment to tackling illegal mining, if elected, may be a decisive factor for voters who are seeking solutions to Ghana’s environmental and economic challenges.
