President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking during the 2025 May Day celebrations, the President delivered a spirited address to Ghanaian workers, assuring them of government’s determination to restore the nation’s forests and rivers while empowering workers to speak up against institutional decay.
In his speech, President Mahama acknowledged the scale and complexity of the galamsey menace, noting that no one should expect quick wins in such a deeply entrenched battle.
“The fight against galamsey is a complex one. And when I was vying for the presidency, I did not kid myself that when I come into office, I would win that fight in four months. Yet, we will not give up.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The President stressed that the government remains resolute in its environmental protection agenda, with strong backing from the security services.
“Our gallant men of the armed forces and security services are up to the fight, and we’ll continue to score successes against the selfish companies and individuals who are destroying our forests and polluting our water bodies”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He ended this portion of his address with a rallying cry that drew loud applause: “As far as the fight against galamsey is concerned, I say Aluta continua.”
Mismanagement of State-Owned Enterprises
President Mahama then turned his attention to the economic well-being of state-owned enterprises and the troubling financial state in which many of them currently operate.
With many workers in attendance employed in SOEs, the President did not mince words about what he described as years of “atrocious mismanagement” that have left these institutions saddled with debt and on the brink of collapse.
“Many of you work in state-owned enterprises that have been atrociously mismanaged over the last eight years. I urge you not to keep quiet. When management is driving your enterprise into ruin, you are always the first to be affected by job losses when these institutions collapse.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama urged workers to see themselves as key stakeholders and protectors of these public institutions.
“Your enterprise where you work belongs to you. They guarantee you lifelong employment, and so you must protect those enterprises. When things are going wrong, do not be afraid to say so. And as president, I will back and support you to set things right.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He revealed that his administration recently engaged the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) to assess the debt situation of SOEs, only to find that nearly all of them are operating in the red.
“Almost all of them are in debt. Even companies like GIHOC Distilleries, where when I was president before, they used to pay a little dividend to the government; today, they also owe.
How can you sell alcohol and be in debt? When Ghanaians are happy, we drink alcohol. When we are sad, we drink. When we are not happy, we are not sad, we drink. So how can you sell alcohol and lose?”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The remark drew laughter, but it underscored a deeper concern about institutional leadership, poor corporate governance, and a lack of accountability within state enterprises.
For President Mahama, these are not just financial problems but systemic failures that require a partnership between government and labour to resolve.
Calling for a collective effort, he said, “Let us work together to make sure that we make these institutions viable because those institutions belong to all of us.”
Throughout his May Day speech, President Mahama emphasized worker empowerment, national renewal, and responsibility.
In addition to combating environmental degradation, he made it clear that Ghana would pursue institutional reform under his leadership in order to bring SOES back to profitability and protect the jobs of those who depend on them.
His address acted as a rallying cry and a performance review, reminding managers and employees alike that Ghana’s progress necessitates unwavering dedication and shared accountability.
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