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Opinion: Galamsey areas in Ghana, a growing concern in 2025

By
Ivy Hollys
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mining in ghana_galamsey areas

Galamsey areas in Ghana continue to raise serious concerns as environmental degradation deepens across affected communities. As of September 15, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has not declared a state of emergency on the matter. However, with mounting environmental degradation and community risks, galamsey remains under close national and political scrutiny. Public attention remains firmly on the crisis, and with this menace threatening lives, farmlands, and water bodies, it is one of the most pressing issues facing the nation today. 

Government Efforts and Ongoing Challenges

Illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, has long challenged authorities in Ghana. The government has relied on law enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable development initiatives to tackle the menace. Calls for granting additional powers to authorities continue to grow. This approach, however, also raises questions about civil liberties and local economic activities.

The issue goes beyond legality and touches on livelihoods. Illegal mining should therefore not be taken lightly because it’s destroying lives, homes, lands, water bodies, and the environment at large. 

Fatalities and Property Loss

Several tragedies have occurred in galamsey areas across the country. While some date as far back as 2009, such as the Dompoase deadly mine collapse, many have also occurred recently. Even more widespread is this menace, such that in February 2025, a journalist was attacked while documenting the impact of these illegal mining activities in the Breman-Adomanya forest, Wassa Amenfi West District.

Though exact figures remain uncertain, a 2021 study recorded 622 deaths from mine collapses and related accidents between 2007 and July 2020. One of the most devastating incidents was the 2022 Bogoso explosion, which killed 13 people and injured 180 others. 

Reports in 2024 revealed that galamsey had destroyed over 100,000 acres of farmland. This destruction has inadvertently affected cocoa farming, a vital sector of Ghana’s economy.

Environmental and Health Impact

The destruction caused in galamsey areas includes arable land, forests, and polluted water bodies. The contamination of rivers and streams with toxic chemicals also threatens agriculture and public health. These risks place communities at high risk of food insecurity and disease.

Galamsey also impacts Ghana’s long-term economic outlook. The loss of farmland and water resources undermines development and sustainability. Have we asked ourselves as a country if we are safe when it comes to illegal mining? Will stronger measures finally address the menace?

Calls for Emergency Powers

The question of declaring a state of emergency remains divisive. While others are saying a state of emergency is expedient (by virtue of the Emergency Powers Act 1994; Act 472), others are calling for more time in dealing with the menace.

Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has revealed a new government strategy that will ensure a permanent military deployment in all areas threatened by illegal mining. You would think this would help, but some Ghanaians have cautioned that the deployment of the military to combat illegal mining in some areas could cripple the entire local economy. So, what to do?

Despite disagreements, one fact is evident: Galamsey areas are worsening Ghana’s environmental and social crises. But on the sidelines, as Ghanaians, we can only but maintain cautious optimism that indeed, our hope as a nation is not lost.

Chief Justices Removal: Binduri MP Praises Attorney General’s Boldness

By
Ivy Hollys
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attoney general on chief justices removal

The Attorney General’s remarks on the Chief Justices removal process have sparked intense debate. However, the Binduri Member of Parliament, Esq. Issifu Mahmoud has thrown his support behind Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine’s sharp criticism of the Ghana Bar Association over the Chief Justice’s removal process.

In an interview with Alfa on the Orange Sunrise, the MP described Dr. Ayine as “a well-principled, learned person” whose credibility is unquestionable. He argued that Ghanaians should appreciate leaders who are bold enough to challenge their own institutions.

“Ghanaians should be grateful that, courtesy His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, we have men of this stature,” he said. Mahmoud added that meaningful change can only come when members within the Bar speak out, not outsiders. “If you and I sit here to criticize the Ghana Bar, what impact will it make?” he asked.

The Attorney General’s remarks on the removal of chief justices in Ghana came during the 2025 Annual Bar Conference in Wa. Dr. Ayine accused the GBA of inconsistency in its advocacy, saying the association remained silent during the removal of previous chief justices.

He also noted that under former Chief Justice Georgina Wood, several judges were removed following investigations by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, yet the Bar failed to comment. However, the association became vocal when petitions were filed against former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

“Outside the courtroom, the advocacy of the Bar has lacked consistency,” Dr. Ayine stated. According to him, such selective silence undermines public trust and creates the perception that the Bar has become partisan.

Hon. Mahmoud on Legal Procedures

Mahmoud also addressed the constitutional process for the removal of chief justices, emphasizing that Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution provides both the substantive law and the detailed procedure for removing independent office holders. These include justices of the Superior Courts and heads of key institutions such as the Electoral Commission.

“It is only that procedure that should be followed to get to the outcome,” he explained. The MP warned that when state institutions deviate from this procedure, the courts have the authority to quash the process.

He dismissed claims that additional constitutional instruments are required, insisting that Article 146 already offers a clear framework. “Article 146 in itself has laid down the procedure,” he said. He further noted that Ghana has applied the article several times, reinforcing the Attorney General’s argument.

Critics argue that the Bar must demonstrate greater consistency if it is to maintain its independence and authority. For Hon. Mahmoud, the Attorney General’s bold intervention is proof of principled leadership. “Let us praise people who are strong enough in character and in principle and will be able to come out to criticize certain things that they feel are not going well,” he said.

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai launches BCI Walk for the Cure 2025, urges public participation

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, President of Breast Care International and Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospitals, has officially launched the highly anticipated BCI Walk for the Cure 2025, which is set to take place in Kumasi.

This annual event aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage regular screenings across the country.

The capital of the Ashanti Region, Kumasi, is expected to be filled with hundreds of participants, including various groups and individuals from both local and international communities, who are eagerly looking forward to the event.

Dr. Wiafe-Addai has urged the public to participate, stressing the need for collective action to combat this deadly illness in the region and throughout the nation.

She also announced that the President pledged to participate in this year’s annual walk due to its ongoing impact on the fight against breast cancer in the country.

Speaking to journalists during an event to launch the Walk at the Peace and Love Hospital at Odoum in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Wiafe-Addai noted that, the President is committed to the cause, noting that he has previously participated in the walk on three occasions.

“His Excellency President John Mahama has walked with Breast Care International on three occasions, and this year he has promised to join us once more. He understands breast cancer and is someone we believe can help us change the narrative surrounding the disease,” she stated.

Dr. Wiafe-Addai further pointed out that civil society organizations play a crucial role in driving change within communities, and BCI is poised to collaborate with the government through the Mahama Cares initiative to address various cancers, including breast cancer.

Since its inception in 2002, BCI has earned a reputation for its rigorous efforts to combat breast cancer, significantly raising public awareness about the disease and contributing to the containment of this deadly illness.

With more than two decades of experience, the organization is calling for effective collaboration with the government to tackle this health challenge decisively.

“We cannot afford to lose more lives unnecessarily. We need to work together with the Mahama Cares program to save lives. We greatly appreciate this initiative, as it will address not only cancer but also non-communicable diseases in general. We want to see a lot of changes,” she added.

Professor Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), noted that the BCI Ghana Walk for the Cure is essential for educating the public about breast cancer and promoting proper management of the disease.

He expressed hope that the initiative will dispel misconceptions about the disease being spiritual in nature, thus encouraging regular screenings and early detection.

The event launched on September 5, 2025, brought together experts, traditional leaders, students, and survivors to form a united front in anticipation of the walk.

Scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Kumasi, this year’s walk is expected to attract over 30,000 participants from across Ghana and beyond.

Under the theme “A Cure Worth Fighting For,” the walk will begin at the Adum Post Office and culminate at the Manhyia Durbar Grounds, transforming the city into a vibrant scene of solidarity, hope, and purpose.

This year’s event also signifies a notable rebranding for BCI, following over 23 years of dedicated service to women’s health in Ghana, across Africa, and globally.

The new brand identity reflects BCI’s ongoing growth, ambitious vision, and renewed commitment to leading the fight against breast cancer.

Meet a Ghanaian environmental NGO making strides without financial support

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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With no foreign grants, no donor budgets, and powered only by passion, the Centre for Climate Change and Food Security (CCCFS) has spent the last decade educating and supporting farmers, women, youth, religious leaders, and journalists first in Ghana, and now across West Africa.

Founded in October 2015, CCCFS was born out of concern for how climate change, environmental degradation, and illegal mining were threatening food security, public health, and the survival of vulnerable communities.

From day one, the organisation has operated without a single donor cheque surviving instead on in-kind contributions from a handful of dedicated members.

“We may not have money, but we have knowledge, truth, and commitment,” says Executive Director Engr Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen.

*Advocacy born from evidence*

CCCFS began by running community education campaigns on climate change, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and sanitation.

They became the first NGO in Ghana to publicly call for a state of emergency on illegal mining locally known as galamsey warning of its devastating impact on rivers, farmlands, and public health.

“We conducted research and reviewed food testing in mining communities,” recalls Issifu Sulemana, CCCFS Director of Research.

“What we found was alarming, toxic levels of mercury in crops grown near polluted water sources. These are silent killers, and we cannot ignore them.”

This field-based advocacy, years before the issue became national news, helped draw attention to the hidden health risks of contaminated food.

*Practical training and grassroots action*

Beyond advocacy, CCCFS has run practical programmes, including:

Training religious leaders to interpret Ghana Meteorological Agency weather forecasts so they can guide their congregations on planting, disaster readiness, and climate adaptation.

Planting trees in cocoa-growing areas of Ashanti and beyond to restore degraded lands, protect biodiversity, and secure cocoa production.

Teaching farmers safe agrochemical disposal to prevent poisoning and environmental harm.

Running anti-food-waste campaigns in northern Ghana, explaining how waste fuels greenhouse gas emissions and threatens food supply.

Researching market women’s awareness of climate change and the dangers of indiscriminate tree cutting in Kumasi, while educating them on regulations and the benefits of urban greenery.

Since 2017, the organization has sensitized, educated, and trained thousands of students across Ghana on climate change, weather-related issues, and the importance of being guardians of the environment. Notable institutions include Anglican Senior High School, Al-Azhariya Islamic Senior High School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), University of Development Studies (UDS), Christian Service University, and University College of Management Studies, among others.

Additionally, the organization has provided opportunities for students from various institutions, particularly KNUST and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), to intern with the organization, during which some have collected relevant data.

“These projects matter not just to Ghana but to the world,” says Engr Mohammed-Nurudeen, “because they protect ecosystems, improve health, and support global climate action.”

*A Setback and a Pivot*

In 2025, CCCFS applied for its first international grant. They passed all stages except the last, where they were rejected for admitting they had never received foreign funding.

“That honesty cost us a lot,” says Engr Mohammed-Nurudeen. “We could have lied or claimed to work with bigger organisations but we chose to speak the truth. Our honesty has become our identity. If it means we’ll suffer for it, so be it.”

Instead of giving up, the team partnered with Nigeria’s The North Journal to create something bigger: a six-week online training for West African journalists on biodiversity and ecosystem reporting.

*Training journalists across West Africa*

The programme, themed “Biodiversity Matters: How Africa’s Stories Can Shape a Sustainable Future”, began on July 11 and runs until August 15, 2025. Over 100 journalists applied, with just over 30 selected on merit.

The course covers biodiversity basics, the link between climate change and biodiversity, data-driven storytelling, ethics, investigative tools, and solutions journalism. Trainers included Dr. Vibha Varshney and Rajit Sengupta from India’s Down To Earth magazine, alongside experts from Nigeria and Ghana. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in India provided its experts free of charge after many institutions declined support.

Each week, participants complete assignments, culminating in a publishable biodiversity story.

“This training opened my eyes to how biodiversity connects to everything from food to climate to our health. It’s exactly what we need,” says Nigerian journalist Zainab Adam.

For Hadiza Musah of Prime Time News, the experience was transformative:

“Although I’d heard the word biodiversity before, I’d never worked on it. This training taught me investigative techniques, mapping, and how to use my phone for storytelling. It has unlocked a part of me I didn’t know existed.”

Participants from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Benin, and other countries shared similar sentiments praising the practical skills, exposure to new ideas, and regional collaboration.

Sheku Desmond, a Mass Communication student journalist at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, said the six-week Biodiversity Training by GJESHA and the Nigerian North Journals was highly educational.

He gained practical tools for biodiversity reporting, learned valuable topics that will help his career, and promised to apply the knowledge. He thanked the organisers, participants, and speakers for the opportunity.

Sounouvo L. Bijou S., a science journalist from Benin, said the training deepened his understanding of biodiversity and survey techniques. Although French speakers struggled with the English delivery, he appreciated the knowledge gained, the networking opportunities, and recommended adding translations or PDF materials for mixed-language audiences in future editions.

*Launching WAJESHA*

On August 15, CCCFS will launch the West Africa Journalists for Environment, Science, Health & Agriculture (WAJESHA) network to unite journalists across the subregion in covering climate change, biodiversity, agriculture, and public health.

The keynote speaker will be Richard Mahapatra, Managing Editor of Down To Earth. Other speakers include APHRC West Africa’s Assane Diouf, Ghana’s Dr. Caleb Amankwah, Senegalese veteran journalist Famara Niassy, WASCAL’s Nii Commey, and Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai of Breast Care International.

Discussions will focus on how cross-border journalism and partnerships can help shape Africa’s future.

*Integrity over comfort*

Through all this, CCCFS continues visiting remote farms, schools, mosques, churches, and radio stations — spreading climate knowledge without a single donor’s dollar.

“We are not giving up,” says Engr Mohammed-Nurudeen. “Funding or no funding, the work must go on.”

A/R – ICLASS partners GES for KEEP 2025 Continuous professional training for teachers

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The International Community for Learning and Social Spectrums (ICLASS) a global education and continuous professional development consult has forged a strategic collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to empower educators with contemporary skills and insights crucial for the evolving educational landscape.

This essential, time relevant and tailored training, the first of which will benefit a cohort of 500 teachers and education administrators drawn from Public basic and Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis, kicks off from 5th September, 2025; with each of the 42 municipalities and districts across the Ashanti Region, expected to subsequently benefit from same.

The maiden workshop christened the KEY EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT PROJECT 2025 (KEEP 2025) comes off under the theme “Building resilient Safeguards: rebranding the Ghanaian teacher through their multiple intelligences.”

Participants will engage with cutting-edge content, including: Safeguarding as a Core Function with a focus on Strategies for building safer, supportive, and thriving school communities.

Teachers and school administrators will take a masterclass in Artificial Intelligence in Education; Exploring the interface between AI and the modern teaching profession.

A key component tailored for students with diverse strengths will take educators through the benefits and modules for building Inclusive Learning Environments and developing approaches for fostering inclusivity through Multiple Intelligences.

Through the resource pool of ICLASS and the generous sponsorship of Hollard Life Insurance and First National Bank (FNB) teachers will be afforded this opportunity together with feeding, facilitation content and course materials for free optimistic that beneficiaries will transmit the content to respective learning communities in their schools.

Outcomes and Expectations of KEEP 2025

The outcomes expected of KEEP 2025 aligns directly with THE core objectives of ICLASS and the KEY Africa Project to:

·        Enhance Instructional Strategies: Improve teaching methodologies and classroom management techniques by focusing on evidence-based practices that cater to diverse student needs.
·        Provide a stimulating learning environment that inspires design thinking; creativity and innovation around the teaching profession.
·        Awaken teachers to digital technologies and contemporary trends shaping the global education landscape

In line with the ICLASS’ culture of infusing a monitoring and evaluation component into all our training programs; the team will after every training session implement a KEEP 2025 Impact Awards and sponsorship engagement.

With clear project timelines and specific Key Performance Indicators, each school will be required to take photographs and videos detailing how they are implementing the workshop’s learnings and concepts, in their schools and classrooms.

A four-week window will be allowed for this exercise, within which teams of sponsors and evaluators will interact with teachers, monitor progress and inspire the teams to win the ultimate Award for the best conference school batches.

The team firmly believes that the invaluable learnings gleaned from this conference will serve as a catalyst for significant transformation within our schools, fully aligning with the objectives of the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education.

The ICLASS KEY Africa Project

The training content and facilitation of KEEP 2025 is handled by The KEY Africa Project a flagship wing of the International Community for Learning and Social Spectrums (ICLASS.)

Inspired by the profound acronym of “Keep Educating Yourself,” the KEY AFRICA PROJECT serves as a dynamic platform, uniting educational stakeholders for impactful, time-relevant Continuous Professional Development and Training Sessions.

Under the leadership of educationist and parenting coach Dr. Marian Benewa Babah Alargi, the KEY Africa Project of ICLASS is driven by an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every teacher, entrusted with the formative years of our young learners, deeply comprehends the profound gravity of their calling and the immense implications of their stewardship in shaping the future of learners, families, societies, nations, and the world.

By: ICLASS Media Team

Oti Region Records Over 10,000 Typhoid Cases in First Half of 2025

By
Ivy Hollys
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Typhoid fever symptoms

The Oti Region has recorded more than 10,000 cases of typhoid fever in the first six months of 2025, raising serious public health concerns. The alarming figures have prompted the Regional Coordinating Council to establish a sanitation task force to combat the outbreak.

The task force, backed by environmental health officers, will focus on improved waste management, provision of clean water, and strict enforcement of sanitation bylaws. Authorities say the measures are urgently needed to curb the spread of the disease, which continues to strain health facilities in the region.

Regional Environmental Health Officer, Cynthia Sekyere, attributed the surge in typhoid cases to poor sanitation practices and unsafe water sources.

She explained that there were about 4,417 and 5,816 confirmed cases in the first and second quarters of 2025, respectively. 

“We were expecting that at least there should be reductions, but there was an increase of 31% of all typhoid cases at the various hospitals in the second quarter. It’s affecting people in Oti region,” she lamented.

Health officials warn that the increasing trend must be tackled immediately to prevent further escalation. The sanitation task force is expected to collaborate with local assemblies, water providers, and community leaders to implement preventive measures.

The Regional Coordinating Council says it will continue to monitor the situation closely while working with national health authorities to protect communities from further outbreaks.

What You Need to Know About the Double-Track System

By
Ivy Hollys
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double-track system

The double-track system introduced in 2018 has been defended by education experts, who argue it did not negatively affect students. Speaking on the policy on Joy News Desk earlier today, Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh explained that the system was a response to the sharp rise in student enrollment following the introduction of the Free Senior High School programme.

Rise in Enrolment After Free SHS

After President Nana Akufo-Addo implemented Free SHS in 2017, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registrations jumped significantly. Between 2017 and 2018, there was an 11.5 percent increase, compared to the usual 1.5 to 2 percent annual rise recorded over the previous decade.

This meant that more students qualified for senior high school and senior technical school, creating pressure on available infrastructure. At the time, Ghana had only 684 senior high and technical schools. Data showed that while 272,000 seniors were set to graduate in 2018, there would still be an excess of about 181,992 students who had to be absorbed.

Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh stressed that the alternative of keeping students at home was not an option. He explained that an estimated 1.2 to 1.3 billion cedis was required to build new infrastructure, but there was neither time nor resources to complete such a project before the 2018/2019 academic year.

How the Double Track System Works

The double track system, he noted, was designed as an innovative solution to absorb the excess students. It allowed existing school infrastructure to be used more efficiently by running two cohorts interchangeably within a year.

He explained: “Double track is mainly using of existing infrastructure, using it effectively to allow more students to go to school.”

For example, in a school of 3,000 students, made up of 1,000 each in Forms 1, 2, and 3, the plan was to increase Form 1 intake to 1,500. Since all of them could not fit at once, the students were divided into two cohorts who attended school on a rotational basis.

To make this possible, the academic calendar was restructured into semesters, allowing for three academic terms in a year instead of two. This created room for two Form 1 groups while ensuring that Forms 2 and 3 continued their studies uninterrupted.

Contact Hours Increased, Not Reduced

Responding to criticisms, Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh stated that the double-track system did not reduce teaching or learning time. On the contrary, students actually benefited from more contact hours.

“When we had the three-term system, contact time for students was 1,080 hours per academic year. The evidence available is that because of the adjustments we made to the length of time and contact time, contact time in double track in an academic year moved from 1,080 to 1,134. Which means in a three-year cycle, we added 162 hours to contact time,” he explained.

Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh acknowledged that every human intervention has challenges, but maintained that the double-track system was a necessary innovation which prevented thousands of children from being denied education and proved that planning and innovation can bridge infrastructure gaps.

According to him, the system ensured that every child had access to senior high school, in line with the government’s commitment under Free SHS.

Bagre Dam Spillage: Farmers Report Early Floods, NADMO Disputes Claim

By
Ivy Hollys
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bagre dam

Farmers in northern Ghana say the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso has begun spilling, forcing them to harvest crops early. They warn that rising waters from the Volta Lake are already flooding nearby farms and could submerge entire fields within days.

The spillage was originally scheduled for August 27, but farmers insist Sonabel, managers of the dam, began releasing water early. In Pwalugu, Upper East Region, maize is being harvested prematurely as residents scramble to save what they can.

Six years after the launch of the Pwalugu multi-purpose dam project, construction has stalled, leaving farmers frustrated. Many argue that the abandoned project is the only permanent solution to the annual flooding caused by the Bagre Dam. Assemblyman for Pwalugu, Moses Adongo, said the release should always be done earlier to reduce its impact on communities.

NADMO Disputes Farmers’ Claims

While farmers maintain that the spillage has begun, officials at NADMO insist Ghana has not yet been affected. Richmond Amoh Yartey, Director of Inspectorate at NADMO, explained that the agency has been in communication with Sonabel and the Water Resources Commission for weeks.

“There’s been regular communication between Sonabel and the Water Resources Commission so we were fully aware that the dam levels in the Bagre were rising, and then it would get to a point that they may have to spill. So we started working in the four regions that are usually affected by the floods. Safe havens have been identified, evacuation routes have all been identified in the four regions for people to move when need be,” he explained.

He added that as of now, there is no confirmation of water from the Bagre Dam entering Ghana, though it is expected within 24 hours. He argued that recent rainfall in parts of the Savannah Region, however, has already raised water levels higher than usual.

Preparedness Measures

NADMO says it is fully prepared to handle any disaster should the spillage eventually affect communities. Yartey disclosed that the agency has made arrangements to support up to 5,000 people who may be displaced.

“NADMO with other collaborated agencies, police, fire, armed forces, ambulance, we are all on the ground and ready to deal with any eventuality that will arise out of it,” he assured.

As uncertainty grows, farmers are renewing calls for government to complete the stalled Pwalugu multi-purpose dam project. They argue it remains the only sustainable solution to the destruction caused by the yearly spillage of the Bagre Dam.

Until then, residents in northern Ghana continue to live with the fear of losing their crops and livelihoods whenever the waters are released.

I nearly resigned as MP over Binduri conflict – MP

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The rising number of murder cases and general insecurity in the Binduri Constituency in the Upper East Region almost compelled my resignation as a Member of Parliament, according to Issifu Mahmoud.

As a first-time MP, he expressed feeling overwhelmed by the reports of deaths and chaos throughout the area.

Speaking on the Orange Sunrise, he noted that, “I was contemplating resignation because I told myself that I could not lead under such circumstances for my peace of mind.”

Mr. Mahmoud said he found strength in the realization that, even if he resigned, no one else would handle the situation better than he could.

Binduri and parts of the Upper East Region have faced land and chieftaincy disputes for decades, resulting in numerous deaths, displacements, and ongoing suffering for many.

Despite government interventions over the years, these protracted conflicts continue unabated.

However, the Binduri legislator noted that calm has returned to his constituency due to the support of the government’s security measures.

Initially devastated by reports of massacres in his area and struggling with serious depression, the MP mentioned that, he feels much better now, thanks to the support of various stakeholders, including some of his fellow parliamentarians.

We need to fight galamsey cautiously, otherwise, we’ll be overwhelmed- Binduri MP

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Member of Parliament for the Binduri Constituency, Issifu Mahmoud, has urged the government to approach the fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey, with caution to effectively address the issue.

“Even though I’m happy with the aggressive manner the government has approached the fight against illegal mining, if the government does not restrategize and if care is not taken, we may lose the fight and go back to where we started from,” he said..

The Lawmaker commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for their efforts in reclaiming certain forest reserves and restricting the importation of excavators as significant steps in combating this menace.

However, he expressed concerns that if the current approach is not carefully managed, it could yield results similar to those experienced under the previous administration.

The MP noted that some individuals assigned to combat illegal mining may have compromised interests, which undermines the effectiveness of the fight.

“What I am unhappy with in this government and the previous one is that some security officers, who are supposed to combat illegal mining, instead pursue their own personal interests,” he told host Alfa Ali on the Orange Sunrise.

Illegal mining has led to the destruction of vast areas of farmland and forest reserves as miners search for gold.

Despite the government’s claims of having reclaimed around nine forest reserves previously affected by galamsey activities, some civil society groups have challenged this assertion.

Some CSOs criticised the government for being reluctant to declare a state of emergency in targeted areas to significantly curtail the activities of illegal miners.

Mr. Mahmoud believes that a collective effort is necessary to achieve the desired outcomes in the fight against galamsey.

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