A Political Scientist at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato has pleaded with President John Dramani Mahama to fight the illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) menace.
He noted that the President has been enjoying some goodwill since assuming office on January 7, 2025.
Dr Zaato urged the President to use the goodwill to fight Galamsey.
Relying on a poll by Global Info Analytics, which says President Mahama is enjoying a 75% approval rate, Dr Zaato said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, July 5, that “Can you use the goodwill to fight galamsey, declare a state of emergency and repeal the LL.”
He added, “You are popular, Ghanaians love you, invest your popularity in the fight against Galamsey.”
Earlier, Convenor of the One Ghana Movement, Senyo Hosi, also urged Ghanaians not to relent in their efforts to end illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking at a press conference held in Accra by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey on June 19, 2025, Hosi lamented the public’s attitude in the fight against the environmental crisis.
He called on citizens to rise up and defend the country’s natural resources, stressing that the struggle against galamsey is a shared national responsibility.
“If matter comes, a lot of these politicians they will leave this town. Most of the Ghanaians they are sitting here, when the wahala comes, they will be gone. But what water you will drink, it will be your own wahala. They would have made the money out of here and you will be suffering for the decision that they have taken. Fight for your future, fight for your children,” he urged.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey also urged the government to take bolder and more decisive steps to combat illegal mining across the country.
The former convenor of the Colaition, Kenneth Ashigbey, criticized the government’s slow approach and demanded the immediate repeal of L.I. 2462 the legislative instrument that permits mining in forest reserves.
“We will not accept an amendment that responds to the interests of certain individuals, not taking into account the interests of the nation. The LI 2462 must be revoked and with urgency,” Ashigbey stated.
