The Minority Caucus in Parliament has cautioned President John Dramani Mahama that illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, poses a serious threat to Ghana’s environment and governance.
The warning was conveyed in a press statement signed by the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, following a meeting between the President and Parliamentary leadership at Jubilee House on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Describing the situation as a “clear and present danger” to national stability, the Minority noted that environmental degradation from galamsey has accelerated sharply since January 2025.
The statement cited reports from Pure Earth and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), which revealed high levels of toxic metals contaminating soils and water in small-scale mining areas.
Data from A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch were also referenced, showing significant increases in river turbidity and deforestation.
The Minority further criticised the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) for indirectly legitimising illegal mining due to weak traceability systems.
“The lack of rigorous chain-of-custody risks making the state a formal purchaser of illegally mined gold, thereby sanctioning environmental destruction,” the statement said.
The Caucus also questioned the effectiveness of the Blue Water Guards in combating illegal mining and urged President Mahama to implement fundamental reforms at the GoldBod.
“Ghana cannot become a state-sponsored conduit for illegal gold,” the statement stressed, calling for urgent action to protect the country’s natural resources.
