Mrs. Sophia Akuffo, the former Chief Justice of Ghana, has urged the John Mahama led government to impose a temporary ban on all forms of mining in the country, both legal and illegal operations.
The former Chief Justice’s radical proposal comes amid growing concerns over the extensive environmental degradation caused by the persistent and widespread scourge of illegal mining, locally referred to as “galamsey.”
In her recent proposals, the former Chief Justice among other views, expressed deep concern over the persistent destruction of the country’s water bodies and farmlands, attributing the situation to political interference and public indifference.
“Galamsey didn’t become intractable in 2025; it became intractable long ago. And we have been playing games around it, dancing around it, and now it has become a political issue.”
Mrs. Sophia Akuffo, the former Chief Justice
She warned that the uncontrolled mining activities had reached “alarming levels” and posed a grave threat to the country’s natural resources and the well-being of citizens.
Urgent and Decisive Action
Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, Mrs. Akuffo called for immediate and decisive action, stating, the resources should be a blessing rather than this existential threat.
“It’s about time Ghanaians woke up and stopped being childish. We cannot continue to pollute our waters and our lands. A gift from God, we have used it to poison ourselves – that is wrong.”
Mrs. Sophia Akuffo, the former Chief Justice
To address this crisis, the former Chief Justice has proposed that the government “impose a moratorium on every form of mining – whether legal or illegal, small-scale or galamsey – until the nation re-evaluates its approach to resource management.“
Illegal Mining ravages
The issue of illegal mining has long plagued the country’s water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems bearing the brunt of the environmental devastation.
Despite numerous efforts by the government and civil society organisations (CSOs) to combat this menace, the problem still persists unabated, fueled by a complex web of political interference, economic incentives, and public apathy.
“It has grown so many thieves that it is killing and poisoning everybody,” she lamented.
The former Chief Justice also called on the affected communities to take a firm stand against the pollution of rivers, farmlands, and food crops.
She believes that by mobilising local stakeholders and empowering them to protect their natural resources, the fight against galamsey can be strengthened, drawing on the collective resolve of the Ghanaian people.
Political Dimensions of the Menace
Mrs. Akuffo’s strong allegation that the galamsey fight has “become a political issue” anchors the need to confront the complex political dynamics that have enabled and perpetuated the crisis.
The former Chief Justice’s appeal for the government to take decisive action, irrespective of political considerations, also reflects the urgency of tackling the entrenched interests and power structures that have undermined previous efforts to curb illegal mining.
The proposed moratorium on all forms of mining, both legal and illegal, cements a bold and unconventional approach to addressing the crisis.
Temporarily halting all mining activities, the government is expected to seized the opportunity to reevaluate its resource management strategies, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and prioritize environmental protection over short-term economic gains.
The former Chief Justice’s call to action comes at a critical juncture for Ghana, as the nation is confronted with the far-reaching consequences of uncontrolled mining activities.
Her uncompromising advocacy and willingness to challenge the status quo serve as a powerful rallying cry for the government, civil society, activists and the Ghanaian people to unite in their efforts to safeguard the country’s natural heritage and secure a sustainable future for the born and unborn generations.
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