Ishaq Ibrahim, a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has questioned the effectiveness of the government’s current measures to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, urging stakeholders to set aside politics and work together on a lasting solution.
His comments come in the wake of the government’s revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which had granted the President authority to approve mining activities in forest reserves.
The Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2025, matured into law on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, after being laid in Parliament by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Mr Ibrahim said: “We need to put the politics aside and together we will solve it.”
He argued that simply revoking L.I. 2462 is insufficient, citing examples from other countries that have successfully tackled illegal mining.
“Brazil had the same problem, and they found a way, and they have solved it. So far, what the government is offering is not helping,” he said, pointing to inconsistencies in water quality reports.
Mr Ibrahim also expressed concern over rising turbidity levels in some water bodies, which he said contradict claims that conditions have improved.
“Besides, if they say the turbidity has improved in some of the water bodies, yet Ghana Water Limited is telling us that the reason for the increase in water tariff is galamsey, are they deceiving us?” he questioned.
