President John Dramani Mahama is set to launch an unprecedented crackdown on illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, in the coming days.
The move, described by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, as “ruthless” and “relentless,” marks what government sources say will be the most uncompromising phase of Ghana’s fight against the menace.
Hon. Ablakwa made the disclosure during a media briefing, emphasising that the President’s resolve has been sharpened by recent events, including the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of senior government officials.
“I can confirm to you that you are going to see a fight that has never been witnessed before in this country. President Mahama is going to lead a very ruthless and relentless fight against galamsey”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Minister noted that the President, during a recent cabinet meeting, made it clear that the illegal mining threat would be confronted with unmatched determination to protect the nation’s environment, water resources, and the livelihoods of affected communities.
The announcement comes in the wake of the August 6 helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, which killed eight people, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
The victims were on their way to Obuasi for an anti-galamsey programme when the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter went down.
Speaking on the incident, Mr. Ablakwa confirmed that American experts have agreed to assist Ghana in decoding the helicopter’s black box, an exercise he disclosed is being carried out in a manner that will avoid any doubt and guarantee transparency.
“The President, in his wisdom, wants an independent expert for the investigations,” he explained.
According to the Minister, Chinese experts and the manufacturers of the Z-9 helicopter have also been contacted and are on standby for further technical input into the probe.
Nation Mourns Fallen Officials
The government will today, Friday, August 15, 2025, hold a state funeral in Accra for the eight victims of the crash.
The ceremony is expected to attract senior state officials, members of the security services, and dignitaries from across the country. It will be a solemn moment to honour the memory of those whose service to the nation was cut short in the line of duty.
The deceased include Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Two of the victims, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, were buried earlier on Sunday, August 10, in accordance with Islamic rites. The remaining six will be laid to rest today with full military honours.
The August 6 crash has intensified public and political calls for more decisive action against illegal mining, a problem long blamed for environmental degradation and pollution of major rivers.
The government’s planned offensive, to be personally led by President Mahama, is expected to deploy new policies, coordinated operations, and community engagement initiatives aimed at stamping out galamsey once and for all.
Hon. Ablakwa stressed that this would not be a symbolic gesture but a sustained and aggressive national effort, adding that the administration’s determination would be matched by the resources and operational capacity required to achieve meaningful results.
As the nation buries its dead and honours their service, the government’s message is clear: the fight against galamsey will take on a new and unforgiving dimension.
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