Mahama’s posture ‘not the leadership expected’

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has criticised President John Dramani Mahama for failing to demonstrate urgency in the fight against illegal mining, describing his approach as disappointing and inadequate for the scale of the crisis.

The coalition’s statement, released on Thursday, September 11, 2025, followed the President’s media encounter at the Jubilee House, where he ruled out declaring a state of emergency in the fight against galamsey.

“This is not the leadership expected for a country facing environmental suicide, contaminated cocoa exports, and rising health crises now and for our newborns.”

According to the group, the President’s position downplayed the severity of the crisis, despite evidence of pollution in more than 60 percent of Ghana’s waterbodies, the displacement of farmers, and the destruction of forest reserves.

“The President’s statement did not convey the urgency required in the fight to rid this country of unprecedented environmental terrorism. His withdrawal of police forces and accusation that they cannot distinguish legal from illegal miners is misplaced. The IGP’s men, though not perfect, were fearless and had brought the situation under control,” the group insisted.

They further argued that the government’s handling of the galamsey crisis has been inadequate, challenging authorities to name a single licensed small-scale miner operating responsibly. They also questioned whether the newly introduced NAELP programme had been resourced sufficiently to address the situation.

On calls for a state of emergency, the coalition pointed out that conditions had deteriorated since Mr. Mahama himself joined civil society in demanding such a measure before his election.

Citing the closure of the Kwanyarko Water Treatment Plant after turbidity levels hit 32,000 NTU, the group said the evidence of worsening conditions was clear.

“This government is failing us,” the statement concluded.