President Targets Illegal Mining, Extortion in Western North
President Mahama declared illegal mining, or galamsey, a national emergency on July 15, 2025, during his ‘Thank You Tour’ in the Western North Region, condemning its environmental devastation in Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso. He vowed intensified efforts via the GOLDBOD Task Force to halt illegal operations in forest reserves and water bodies, as reported by Ghanamma.com.
Mahama highlighted the severe pollution of rivers like the Pra and Ankobra, with turbidity levels exceeding 14,000 NTU, far above the 5,000 NTU treatment threshold, threatening water supply and health. He also warned against rogue anti-galamsey task forces extorting licensed miners, ordering their arrest and prosecution to protect legitimate operations.
The GOLDBOD Task Force, launched on July 9, 2025, with military and police personnel wearing body cameras, aims to curb illegal mining and smuggling. Mahama’s administration banned mining in forest reserves on January 30, 2025, and revoked prior leases, reinforcing the 2024 repeal of LI 2462 that allowed mining in protected areas.
The galamsey crisis, costing Ghana over $2.3 billion annually in lost revenue, has polluted 60% of water bodies and destroyed cocoa farms, with 2% of cultivation areas lost. Mahama’s measures include AI to track operations, a revolving fund for sustainable mining equipment, and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative to plant 20 million seedlings yearly.
Despite past efforts like Operation Vanguard, enforcement remains challenging due to corruption and political ties. Mahama’s renewed push, backed by the National House of Chiefs, faces scrutiny for balancing economic livelihoods with environmental protection, as galamsey supports youth employment in regions like Western North.