Illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” has become one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and social issues.
Over the years, its devastating effects on the country’s water bodies, forests, and communities have raised significant concern from various stakeholders.
During the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, took a strong stance against illegal mining in a fiery speech that directly addressed the nation’s leaders, including President Nana Akufo-Addo, who was present at the event as a special guest. His words resonated with many, highlighting the unfulfilled promises made to end the menace and calling for more concrete actions from those in power.
In his speech, Mr. Dwumfour did not hold back as he criticized President Akufo-Addo for failing to deliver on his promise to stop illegal mining.
He reminded the president of the firm decision he made earlier in his administration to combat galamsey, a pledge that, according to Mr. Dumpfour, has not been fulfilled.
“We are aware that some time ago, Mr. President, the father of the nation, made a firm vow to stop galamsey. But regrettably, that promise has not been fulfilled, Mr. President. You are barely three months from the end of your administration, and we are hopeful that you will deal with the situation before you leave office.”
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)
These remarks were made in front of a packed audience, including President Akufo-Addo, who listened as Mr. Dwumfour expressed his disappointment in the administration’s failure to address the worsening situation of illegal mining.
This bold confrontation was a clear reflection of the frustration many Ghanaians feel about the ongoing environmental degradation caused by galamsey.
A Call for a State of Emergency
Beyond addressing the president, Mr. Dwumfour went on to call for more drastic measures to combat illegal mining.
“We still maintain that a state of emergency must be declared over our water bodies, and all planned and active mining concessions overlapping with river buffers should be abrogated. All mining activities within 100 meters buffer of rivers and streams should be halted with immediate effect.”
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)
Mr. Dwumfour’s recommendations included a call for repealing Legislative Instrument (LI) 246, which governs environmental protection in mining areas.
He reiterated that these steps were necessary to preserve Ghana’s natural resources and protect communities that rely on the country’s rivers and water bodies for survival.
Challenging the Presidential Candidates
Mr. Dwumfour did not limit his critique to the current administration. He also addressed the two leading presidential candidates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Dramani Mahama and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, urging them to show greater commitment to ending illegal mining.
His call for action was a plea for future leaders to take a firmer stance against galamsey, ensuring that their campaign promises translate into real change once they assume office. He noted; “I want to take this opportunity, Your Excellency, to appeal to these two leading presidential candidates, and all other presidential candidates, to make a firm commitment to the fight against galamsey so we can hold them accountable when any of them assume office in 2025.”
This appeal highlighted the need for accountability among political leaders. Mr. Dwumfour’s passionate plea was not just about holding the current administration accountable but also ensuring that the fight against galamsey remains a priority for future governments.
The Arrest of Anti-Galamsey Protesters
During his speech, the GJA President also touched on the recent arrest of anti-galamsey protesters, who were detained for what the police described as unlawful conduct during a three-day demonstration. He reiterated; “We believe that remanding the protesters for two weeks is too extreme and does not send positive signals when it comes to protecting human rights.”
This statement reflected the GJA president’s broader concern about the government’s handling of civil liberties and its approach to dissent. Mr. Dwumpfour’s speech demonstrated that the fight against illegal mining is not just an environmental issue but also one tied to governance and the protection of basic human rights.
President Akufo-Addo’s Silence on the Matter
Despite Mr. Dwumfour’s direct appeal, President Akufo-Addo, when allowed to speak, notably avoided addressing the issue of illegal mining.
Meanwhile, the President’s silence on the matter left many, including investigative and award-winning journalist Mr. Erastus Asare Donkor disappointed. Mr. Donkor expressed his dismay at the president’s choice of words in his speech, especially given the scale of the problem and the fact that the country’s major rivers are highly polluted.
“I am disappointed tonight that when the GJA president spoke confidently, emphasizing the grave nature of illegal mining across the country, and appealing to the president that he should do something about it before he leaves office, I was expecting that the president would make mention, at least, of illegal mining in his speech… That, to me, is a big disappointment.”
Erastus Asare Donkor Investigative and award-winning Journalist
Mr. Donkor’s disappointment echoed the sentiments of many Ghanaians who were hoping that President Akufo-Addo would take this opportunity to address the issue and provide a clear plan for tackling illegal mining in the remaining months of his administration.
Mr. Albert Dwumpfour’s speech at the GJA Awards was a powerful call to action for the nation’s leaders.
His bold confrontation with President Akufo-Addo, coupled with his appeal to future presidential candidates, underscored the urgency of the illegal mining crisis in Ghana. The failure of the current administration to fulfill its promises, coupled with the president’s silence on the issue, has left many frustrated and disappointed.
As Ghana continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of galamsey, the need for decisive and immediate action has never been more critical.
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