Government urged to adopt decisive action against galamsey

The former Member of Parliament for Techiman South, Henry Yeboah Yiadom-Boachie, has called upon the government to establish stringent and enforceable policy measures aimed at eradicating illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

In an interview on Techiman based Winners FM 98.5mhz, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Mr.Yiadom-Boachie expressed profound concern regarding the calamitous impact of illegal mining on Ghana's environmental, economic, and social landscape. His remarks followed the recent tragic military helicopter crash that resulted in the loss of eight lives, including prominent government officials, who were reportedly traveling to Obuasi to participate in an event focused on combating illicit mining.

Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, 50, were among those who perished in the crash. Other victims included: Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC and a former Kumasi MCE; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

“The country must take a lesson from this tragic incident in tackling galamsey. The victims were on their way to an important engagement on illegal mining when they met their untimely death," he stated.

The former Member of Parliament further emphasized that in honour of the eight individuals who lost their lives, Ghana must intensify its efforts to combat illegal mining with unrelenting resolve. He urged illicit miners to desist from the practice, highlighting that the nation is suffering significant resource losses due to their activities.x

"We ought to implement strong measures to stop galamsey once and for all, in honour of the eight individuals who died in the crash. Illegal mining operators should reject galamsey, as the country is losing vast quantities of resources due to these activities," he added.

He also urged the government to adopt stricter measures and introduce sound policies to regulate small-scale mining, ensuring it is done responsibly and sustainably.

"The government should adopt strict measures to address galamsey because it is destroying our environment and economy. I also urge the government to introduce sound policies to regulate small-scale mining in the country," **he stressed.

According to the former Member of Parliament for Techiman South, without decisive action, the long-term consequences of galamsey for the country will be even more severe.

By Blankson Clement