Prof Gyampo Calls for Urgent Action Against Illegal Mining in Ghana
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shipping Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has urged President John Mahama to take decisive action against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, before it further devastates the country’s natural resources. Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoints program on March 22, he emphasized that immediate intervention is crucial, stating,
“President Mahama, with the greatest of respect, this is the time, at the beginning. Crack the whip, be drastic about the fight against galamsey. Do it now.”
During the discussion, Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, called for a state of emergency in regions heavily affected by illegal small-scale mining. He argued that such a measure would empower authorities to take swift and effective action against perpetrators. He also advocated for tracking excavators used in galamsey operations, saying,
“If you take the chassis number, you will be able to trace it to who owns it.” He urged the government to publish a list of individuals and entities importing these machines to expose those fueling the crisis.
Daryl Bossu, Executive Director of A Rocha, highlighted that Ghana’s forest reserves are under significant threat, with illegal miners encroaching on far more than the 44 reserves previously reported by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. Prof. Gyampo further stressed that delaying action would weaken the government’s position in future elections, advising,
“Solve the problem now before the next election so that you will be able to have a message again.”
Minister Armah-Kofi Buah recently revealed that out of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves, 44 are under severe attack from armed illegal miners. He described the crisis as a serious national security and public health threat, warning that some reserves have been completely overrun. The minister admitted that forest guards lack the sophisticated weaponry to counter the heavily armed galamsey operators, making enforcement efforts increasingly difficult. With mounting pressure from environmental advocates and policymakers, the government faces a crucial test in its commitment to eradicating illegal mining and preserving Ghana’s natural resources.
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