President John Dramani Mahama has called on state institutions and stakeholders to step up the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, citing early signs that polluted water bodies are beginning to recover.

Speaking at the 77th Annual New Year School and Conference at the University of Ghana in Accra on Tuesday, the President said recent observations suggested that sustained enforcement efforts were yielding positive results. He pointed specifically to the Ayensu River, which passes through areas previously devastated by illegal mining activities.

According to Mahama, the river showed visible improvement during his visit to the Crown Forest over the Christmas holidays. He noted that just six months ago, the Ayensu River had a dark, coffee-like colour commonly associated with mining pollution, but it now appeared clearer, resembling light milo.

“The Environmental Protection Agency and all those involved in the fight against illegal mining should not give up,” he urged. “Some positive results are beginning to show.”

The President attributed the improvement to coordinated enforcement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), and river guards who have been operating upstream in affected areas. He stressed that sustained and intensified enforcement remains crucial to restoring rivers and forests degraded by years of unregulated mining.

Mahama praised the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, along with the anti-galamsey task force, for what he described as encouraging progress in the protracted battle against illegal mining. He acknowledged, however, that the fight has been challenging, noting that galamsey has become deeply rooted in some communities.

He further admitted that enforcement efforts have at times been dangerous, with some communities resisting operations. Nevertheless, he said continued commitment by state agencies and community-based actors is beginning to make a difference.

The President added that enforcement measures are being supported by broader environmental and climate policies. “We are promoting sustainable mining practices, protecting forests and water bodies, investing in renewable energy, and strengthening climate adaptation for vulnerable communities,” he said.

Mahama called for renewed determination, stressing that the gradual recovery of rivers such as the Ayensu should inspire greater resolve to protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.

Illegal mining remains a major challenge in Ghana, Africa’s largest gold producer, with widespread concerns over water pollution, forest destruction and public health risks. The issue continues to generate debate, particularly over the pace of prosecutions and accountability.

Earlier on the same day, political scientist Dr Kwame Asah Asante warned on Joy FM’s AM Show that the government’s handling of galamsey could become a political liability if decisive action is not taken. He questioned the lack of prosecutions despite arrests and expressed concern about the continued pollution of water bodies.

The three-day conference, held under the theme “Building the Ghana We Want, Together for Sustainable Development,” brings together policymakers, academics, industry leaders and development partners to discuss key national development priorities.

Source: Oyerepafmonline.com