A Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana and Political Analyst, Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato has argued that President John Mahama’s record in the fight against illegal mining is currently at a losing state. He reiterated that the conviction of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, should serve as a moment for the government to intensify its campaign against the financiers and powerful figures behind the illegal mining industry.
Dr Zaato disclosed that the President’s campaign promises has created a strong expectation that his administration would take decisive action to protect Ghana’s forests and water bodies. According to him, the continuing destruction of the environment means the government has yet to demonstrate that its approach is producing the desired results.
“This should be the time for the President to say that maybe it’s time to listen to the CSOs who have said that I should declare a state of emergency and go after bank accounts of people who are doing galamsey.”
Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato
Dr Zaato recalled that the deaths following the military helicopter crash also created public expectations that the tragedy would trigger a stronger national response to illegal mining. He added that the opportunity has passed without producing the decisive action many Ghanaians expected.
Against this backdrop, the lecturer urged the government to consider stronger measures against suspected financiers of illegal mining. He argued that the individuals found operating excavators and other equipment at mining sites often lacked the financial capacity to acquire such machinery or secure the necessary permits.
The argument, he explained, pointed to the need for investigations to trace the money, equipment and networks supporting illegal mining activities. He suggested that where investigators have credible evidence, financial assets linked to suspected galamsey financiers could be examined as part of lawful investigations.
Dr Zaato also questioned why attention appears to remain concentrated on those found at mining sites. He argued that the people operating excavators and other machinery are only one part of a larger network that included individuals who financed operations, imported equipment and organised the workforce.
For him, the environmental cost of illegal mining demands a response capable of protecting future generations. The Political Analyst warned that the continuous destruction of forests and water bodies could leave behind polluted rivers and contaminated food sources.
The Growing Calls For The Fight Against Galamsey
The Political Analyst reiterated the situation has continued to worsen in several parts of the country despite repeated promises to deal with illegal mining. He referred to reports of galamsey activities near the Abandoned Agenda 111 Hospital facilities and the threat posed to Lake Bosomtwe as examples of the challenge confronting the country.
“As we sit here, nobody can tell us that we’ve begun turning the tide on galamsey. We are not winning the galamsey war.”
Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato
Dr Zaato also questioned the handling of cases involving individuals accused of supporting illegal mining activities. He referred to reports involving personnel of the National Environmental Management Authority and alleged threats against officials involved in efforts to combat environmental offences.
The lecturer also raised questions about district level officials who have reportedly been linked to illegal mining activities. He said public disclosures and investigations should lead to clear outcomes so citizens could understand the steps taken after allegations emerged.
Addressing the use of committees to investigate allegations, Dr Zaato argued that investigations should produce results within a reasonable period. He said the repeated referral of sensitive matters to committees could create the impression that cases were being delayed without a clear resolution.
The Political Analyst also referred to President Mahama’s previous acknowledgement that some members of his administration have been linked to illegal mining activities. He argued that the public deserves clarity on the identities of such officials and the steps taken in response to the allegations.
In his view, political considerations should not determine the enforcement of environmental laws. Dr Zaato said the fight against galamsey required consistent action regardless of the political affiliation or influence of individuals suspected of involvement.
He also rejected the idea that the prosecution of one prominent figure could by itself demonstrate success in the anti-galamsey campaign. According to him, the government would need to pursue the wider financial and political structures that allow illegal mining operations to continue.
The lecturer therefore urged the administration to move beyond public statements and demonstrate measurable progress in protecting Ghana’s rivers and forests. He reiterated that the credibility of the government’s campaign would ultimately depend on whether its actions produced visible improvements in communities affected by illegal mining.
Dr Zaato’s assessment places renewed pressure on the government to clarify its strategy for dealing with illegal mining and the people who support it. He emphasised a stronger response would require transparency, consistent enforcement and a willingness to pursue powerful interests connected to the destruction of the environment.
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