Mahama More Determined to Fight Galamsey Than Akufo-Addo —Sammy Gyamfi

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has defended the Mahama administration’s approach to combating illegal mining, arguing that it has demonstrated a stronger commitment to addressing the galamsey menace than the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based UTV, Mr Gyamfi contrasted President John Dramani Mahama’s administration with that of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, accusing the latter of failing to prioritise the fight against illegal mining.

He alleged that under the previous government, people who campaigned against galamsey were arrested and imprisoned instead of receiving the support needed to protect the country’s natural resources.

“In 2024, there was no fight against illegal mining in Ghana under President Akufo-Addo. The fight was rather against those fighting illegal mining. Some were arrested and put into prison cells,” Mr Gyamfi said.

He maintained that the current administration was more determined to confront the environmental and economic consequences of illegal mining, which continues to generate public concern over the pollution of rivers and the destruction of forest reserves.

The GoldBod CEO’s remarks come amid ongoing national discussions about the need for effective measures to curb illegal mining and protect Ghana’s water bodies, forests and agricultural lands.

Galamsey remains a major challenge for successive governments, with calls for stronger enforcement of mining regulations, accountability for offenders and sustainable management of the country’s mineral resources.

Mr Gyamfi’s comments have added to the political debate over the previous administration’s record on illegal mining and the current government’s commitment to addressing the problem.