Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has undserscored the need to ramp up efforts in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, insisting that more decisive action is needed to protect Ghana’s environment and communities.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, September 17, Ablakwa said the nation is capable of achieving much more in curbing the menace.
“Let me be honest with you, on galamsey, I believe that we can do better. And all the propositions I made in the past, I stand by them. We’re on a suicidal path if we don’t stop this. We must take this up and win this war,” he said.
Ablakwa expressed confidence in President John Mahama’s commitment to tackling galamsey, noting that the President is genuinely determined to put an end to the destructive practice.
“The President is working, he means well, and he wants to really end this menace. But clearly there are others who are making his resolve difficult. I have no doubt he will crack the whip,” he said.
He further linked the fight against galamsey to national resilience and justice, stating that the best way to honour the eight people who died in the August 6 helicopter crash is for the nation to secure victory over illegal mining.
Ablakwa’s comments come amid growing calls from civil society groups, environmental advocates, and traditional authorities for the declaration of a state of emergency to tackle galamsey. These stakeholders argue that the menace has reached a crisis point, threatening rivers, forests, and community livelihoods across the country.
However, President John Mahama has maintained that such a drastic measure should be considered only as a last resort, stressing that the government prefers to strengthen enforcement, regulatory oversight, and community engagement before resorting to emergency powers. The President’s stance reflects a cautious approach aimed at balancing decisive action with adherence to constitutional and governance norms.
