President Mahama Rebuffs Claims of State Complicity in Illegal Mining
President John Dramani Mahama has sought to dispel suggestions of government complicity in illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, insisting his administration has “nothing to hide” in its efforts to eradicate the practice.
Addressing civil society organisations in Accra on Friday, the president rejected claims that he or his government benefit from the illicit trade, which has ravaged farmlands and polluted key water sources across Ghana.
“We will continue to fight. I believe we will win the fight against galamsey. I don’t gain anything from galamsey. I’m not personally involved and I have no interest in galamsey continuing,” Mr Mahama said.
He underscored that the crackdown requires broad-based support beyond the state, adding: “You can be sure that we’re all on the same side. And we will continue to do this together.”
The president’s remarks follow intensifying calls from religious leaders, civil society groups and local communities for tougher action against illegal mining, which has become one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and social crises.
