The Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, Mustapha Gbande, has called on security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining without fear or favour, stressing that political affiliation must not shield offenders.
Speaking during the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) Task Force in Sunyani on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Gbande emphasised that the government is determined to root out galamsey and will not tolerate interference from any quarter.
“The most powerful person in this country, the President, is fully backing you on this mission. The NDC does not and will not endorse what our President is against. In the bush or in a water body, there is no political colour. So, if anybody goes in the name of a political colour, arrest the person. If anybody comes in the name of the President, also arrest the person,” he said.
Gbande further noted that illegal mining can only be effectively tackled if politics is removed from the fight, adding that President John Dramani Mahama’s support gives the Task Force full legitimacy to act decisively.
The remarks come as the government steps up efforts to eliminate galamsey, which continues to pose a threat to water bodies, farmlands, and the environment.
