Mahmoud Kabore, spokesperson for the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has criticized the Akufo-Addo government for its failure to effectively combat the growing galamsey (illegal mining) crisis in Ghana.
According to Kabore, the lack of political will within the previous administration left the country’s forests, water bodies, and communities vulnerable to environmental destruction.
In an interview, Kabore explained that despite numerous promises, including former President Akufo-Addo’s bold statement that he would “put his presidency on the line” to fight illegal mining, the government failed to take meaningful action.
Kabore pointed to the government’s inadequate response to the galamsey crisis, which continues to ravage Ghana’s natural resources.
“Former President Akufo-Addo promised that he would put his presidency on the line to fight galamsey, but this should have been a major agenda for his administration. Yet, despite this, no meaningful progress was made,” Kabore said.
He also referenced the Frimpong report, which implicated several high-ranking officials in the Akufo-Addo government in illegal mining activities. Despite this, Kabore claims the former president swiftly defended these officials, further undermining efforts to address the crisis.
Kabore also criticized the introduction of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which he argues weakened the fight against galamsey. “As a result, illegal mining activities flourished, leading to the destruction of over 5,000 hectares of forest cover, with 44 out of the country’s 288 forest reserves now overtaken by illegal miners.”
“The fight we inherited against galamsey was a serious one. Immediate action was needed, and we had to implement strategies to curb illegal mining,” Kabore emphasized. “But the previous government’s inaction has made this situation worse.”
According to him, reports from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) revealed that the country’s water turbidity levels have now reached alarming levels of 0-500 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units), a clear sign of the contamination caused by illegal mining activities.
Kabore also announced that the current government has deployed a joint security team, including members from the Forestry Commission, police, military, and national security, to combat the illegal mining menace.
Despite these efforts, Kabore reiterated that the government remains committed to supporting responsible mining practices that benefit the nation, while prioritizing environmental protection.
“Any Ghanaian who engages in responsible mining that contributes to the country’s growth will receive our full support. However, we must put a stop to illegal mining, which is damaging our environment and resources,” Kabore concluded.
