Barker-Vormawor predicts what could happen if Mahama fails in ‘galamsey’ fight

Private legal practitioner and social activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has cautioned that President John Dramani Mahama’s legacy risks being overshadowed by the negative effects of illegal mining, if his administration fails to decisively tackle the menace, popularly known as “galamsey”.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Barker-Vormawor argued that no matter the government’s economic achievements, the unresolved “galamsey” crisis would leave a lasting stain on Mahama’s presidency.

He stressed that even if the economy reflects significant growth, neglecting the fight against illegal mining would erode the administration’s credibility, given the environmental destruction and community devastation linked to the practice.

#StopGalamsey: 'Ghana is watching how you deal with illegal mining' - Barker-Vormawor to government

“The government seems to be prioritising economic expansion over addressing ‘galamsey’, and that could have lasting consequences for the President’s image and legacy,” Barker-Vormawor warned.

He further cautioned that the issue would continue to haunt Mahama’s presidency unless tackled head-on.

“Even if the cedi were to go to GH¢ 6 to a dollar, the ‘galamsey’ question is not going to leave the President; it’s going to haunt him,” he said.

Fight against galamsey undermined by political opportunism – CDM

MRA/VPO

Also, watch some videos from the NPP’s protest below: