President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his unyielding commitment to the fight against illegal mining, declaring that he will “never, never give up the fight” as he addressed journalists, media professionals, and dignitaries at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards held at the Manhyia Palace under the patronage of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Speaking at an event dedicated to honouring excellence in journalism, the President underscored the urgent need for national unity in confronting what he described as a threat to Ghana’s very survival.
President Mahama stated that the theme of the event itself was a reminder that safeguarding the country’s future required a united and sustained effort against illegal mining, or galamsey, which continues to inflict devastating environmental damage.
“This is not a matter of convenience. It is essential for our very survival as a nation,” he stressed. He described the fight as “complex and challenging,” noting that illegal mining has become so entrenched in the social and economic life of some communities that they now actively resist enforcement efforts.
Referencing a recent attack on security personnel and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officers, which also left some journalists injured, the President described the incident as a stark example of the dangers faced by those combating illegal mining.
“Illegal mining has so deeply ingrained itself in the fabric of our society that… entire communities mobilise and confront security personnel when they arrive to combat illegal mining operations in their areas”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Strong Warning against Obstruction
He issued a firm warning to any groups who may attempt to obstruct the work of public officials, stating clearly that “firm action will be taken against them.” President Mahama disclosed that immediately after receiving news of the attack, he directed the Chief of Staff to reach out to the injured journalists, check on their health, and assist with any hospital bills.
This, he said, was both a gesture of concern and a reaffirmation of the government’s responsibility to protect those who risk their lives to expose wrongdoing. The President acknowledged the economic hardship that has contributed to the vulnerability of young people who sometimes turn to illegal mining for survival.
However, he emphasized that destroying natural resources in pursuit of short-term gains was self-defeating. “Destroying the environment is like cutting off your nose to spite your face,” he said, calling on the youth to embrace the growing number of alternative livelihood opportunities being rolled out by his administration.
President Mahama highlighted several initiatives aimed at addressing youth unemployment and reducing dependence on illicit mining activities. These include the flagship 24-Hour Economy Initiative, the Feed Ghana Program, the Poultry Revitalisation Program, the National Apprenticeship Program, and the Million Coders Program. “These programmes are intended to create opportunities for alternative livelihoods, especially for our young people in rural areas,” he explained.
In addition to economic interventions, the President disclosed ongoing environmental restoration efforts anchored on the Tree for Life Reforestation Program and the Blue Water Guards Initiative. Both programs, he said, were already contributing to the rehabilitation of degraded lands and the protection of river bodies, while also creating thousands of jobs.
Increasing Funding for Galamsey Fight
He announced that he had instructed the Minister of Finance to increase budgetary allocation to recruit more youth from galamsey-affected communities into forest replanting and river protection roles, with each recruit receiving a monthly stipend of GH¢1,500.
President Mahama used the platform to commend journalists who have been instrumental in exposing environmental crimes despite facing threats and intimidation. He singled out Erastus Asare Donkor and Oheming, the winner of the evening’s Best Reporter on Illegal Mining award, applauding their courage.
“Your bravery is noted, it is patriotic, and your efforts strengthen our moral reserve to continue the fight against illegal mining”.
President John Dramani Mahama
The President further announced positive developments regarding land reclamation efforts. He revealed that the EPA had commenced a pilot reclamation project using a public-private partnership model, covering an initial 1,000 hectares of mined-out land.
The reclaimed area will be replanted with fast-growing trees and economic species such as oil palm. If successful, he said the government intends to scale this effort to cover the estimated 30,000 hectares of land destroyed by illegal mining.
President Mahama concluded with an unambiguous declaration of his government’s resolve. “I wish to assure you, as your President, that I will never, never give up the fight,” he said, urging continued collaboration between the media, environmental officials, security agencies, and affected communities to restore the nation’s ecological health.
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