By Nadia Ntiamoah
A storm is brewing over Ghana’s escalating illegal mining crisis, as the National House of Chiefs has expressed growing frustration with the Mahama-led administration and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) over continued environmental destruction and reports of extortion tied to galamsey enforcement operations.
During a durbar for President John Dramani Mahama’s ‘Thank You Tour’ in the Western North Region on Tuesday, the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, issued a stern call for immediate and decisive action to combat the galamsey menace, which he described as an existential threat to communities, water bodies, and public health.
“Galamsey is seriously impacting our water bodies and causing illnesses. We know the President has made several commitments, but the situation is urgent. We must curb galamsey now to prevent the outbreak of disease,” Ogyeahohoo warned.
The traditional leader, who also serves as the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso—one of the hardest-hit areas—cited rising health complications in mining communities, including illnesses among fetuses and children caused by contaminated water.
He pledged the support of the chieftaincy institution in rooting out illegal mining but urged the government to act with urgency and sincerity.
Rogue Taskforces Allegedly Linked to NDC Bigwigs
The chiefs’ frustration comes amid explosive allegations by the Concerned Small Scale Mining Group Ghana (CSSMGG), which claims that elements within the NDC are running rogue anti-galamsey taskforces that are extorting money from legal miners.
In a statement dated July 9, the group accused some National Security operatives—allegedly working with political backing from NDC officials—of brutalizing miners, seizing equipment, and demanding large sums of money under the guise of law enforcement.
The group’s leader, Andrew Abban, said that these operatives often wear military uniforms and invoke the names of top NDC figures, including National Organiser Joseph Yamin and 3rd Vice-Chairperson Yakubu Abanga, to justify their actions and intimidate victims.
The alleged extortion rings have reportedly been most active in the Ashanti and Western Regions, including towns like Prestea, where named military officers—Warrant Officers Ayamba and Ben, Sergeant Salifu Abdul, Lance Corporal Adu Richmond, Sergeant Kunya Akwasi, and Lance Corporal Awaga Rocky—are said to be operating under a Colonel Tali from National Security.
Mahama Declares National Emergency—But Chiefs Demand Results
In response to the worsening situation, President Mahama has labeled the galamsey threat a national emergency, vowing to deploy the national anti-galamsey taskforce with renewed vigour.
“We are alarmed by the environmental destruction in Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso. This is a national emergency. The national taskforce will intensify efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and water bodies,” Mahama told the gathering.
He also acknowledged the existence of unauthorized taskforces extorting from legal small-scale miners and ordered their immediate arrest and prosecution.
“I have noticed the activities of illegal anti-galamsey taskforces extorting money. I have instructed the authorities to arrest and prosecute anyone involved,” the President said.
But traditional leaders and miners on the ground remain skeptical. Many believe the president’s words will have little impact unless his party distances itself from those allegedly shielding extortionists operating under political cover.
Both Joseph Yamin and Yakubu Abanga have denied the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated attempts to discredit the party.
Speaking to the media, Joseph Yamin flatly rejected any involvement in mining or related enforcement operations.
“I have never engaged in mining. I challenge anyone with evidence to prove otherwise,” Yamin said, adding that he had personally reported illegal mining operations in the Eastern Region to authorities.
Abanga also denied wrongdoing, explaining that he owns licensed concessions and is pursuing legal action over mining rights revoked during the previous administration.
“I will never support any group that undermines legal mining. My priority is to see order restored to the sector,” Abanga insisted.
Government Promises Reform
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has acknowledged the troubling reports and announced the launch of a formal Anti-Galamsey Office to streamline enforcement.
He vowed that rogue taskforces would be dismantled and perpetrators brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the National House of Chiefs is calling for more than words. They want transparency, accountability, and tangible action—not only from the President but from his party and state institutions—to end the galamsey menace once and for all.
