By Daniel Bampoe
President John Dramani Mahama has sounded the alarm over the devastating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, branding the situation a “national emergency” during his “Thank You Tour” of the Western North Region.
But as the President vows to intensify efforts to clamp down on the menace, fresh allegations of internal sabotage from within his own party threaten to complicate government efforts.
At a community durbar in Awaso on Tuesday, July 15, President Mahama condemned the environmental destruction unfolding across key mining zones such as Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso.
“We are alarmed by the environmental destruction… this is a national emergency,” he declared, pledging that the national anti-galamsey taskforce will ramp up operations, particularly in forest reserves and water bodies.
However, President Mahama didn’t mince words when addressing reports of extortion and abuse linked to unauthorized taskforces operating under the guise of fighting illegal mining.
“I have noticed the activities of illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies,” he said.
“I have requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity.”
Chiefs Warn of Health Crisis
In a parallel warning, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso, backed Mahama’s declaration by describing galamsey as not just an environmental threat but a growing public health crisis.
He cited alarming rates of health complications — particularly among newborns and pregnant women — due to the contamination of rivers and water sources by mining chemicals.
“Galamsey is seriously impacting our water bodies and causing illnesses. We acknowledge the President’s efforts, but the situation is urgent,” he said.
The National House of Chiefs has promised full support to the government in its renewed war on illegal mining.
NDC Bigwigs Accused in Rogue Taskforce Extortion Scandal
While President Mahama positions himself as leading the charge against galamsey, a scandal has erupted involving alleged extortion schemes linked to top figures within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Concerned Small Scale Mining Group of Ghana (CSSMGG) has accused certain individuals, including party heavyweights and rogue security personnel, of operating illegal taskforces that target legitimate small-scale miners for extortion and harassment.
In a statement dated July 9, 2025, the CSSMGG alleged that operatives dressed in military uniforms storm mining sites, seize equipment, and demand bribes—often invoking the names of senior NDC members such as National Organizer Joseph Yamin and 3rd Vice Chairperson Yakubu Abanga.
These rogue elements, according to the group, are especially active in mining hotspots within the Ashanti and Western regions and act outside the jurisdiction of the officially sanctioned National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce.
Several armed officers — including individuals identified as Warrant Officers, Sergeants, and Lance Corporals — are reportedly involved under the command of a senior military figure named Colonel Tali.
The CSSMGG also noted that the syndicate is intimidating miners using connections to National Security and direct political cover.
In Prestea and other towns, multiple miners have confirmed being coerced into paying money or abandoning their concessions out of fear.
NDC Executives Deny Involvement
Reacting to the allegations, both Joseph Yamin and Yakubu Abanga have denied any involvement in illegal operations.
“I have never engaged in mining and I challenge anyone with evidence to prove otherwise,” said Yamin in an interview with Rawgist Online.
He asserted that he had even reported illegal mining activities to security agencies in the past. “I encourage the arrest of anyone who uses my name to extort money. The law must deal with them.”
Yakubu Abanga also rejected the accusations, describing them as “politically motivated.”
He clarified that while he is a licensed miner operating legally in both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, he has never supported extrajudicial actions.
“My priority is to see sanity restored to the mining sector,” he said
Government Under Pressure to Clean House
The scandal has put pressure on President Mahama to not only fight illegal miners but also purge his party and security ranks of rogue elements.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, under Minister Armah Kofi Buah, has acknowledged the existence of illegal anti-galamsey groups.
The newly launched Anti-Galamsey Office is tasked with dismantling unauthorized taskforces and enforcing proper regulation of mining activities.
Meanwhile, the Concerned Small Scale Mining Group has urged President Mahama to go beyond declarations and ensure accountability within his administration.
“The real threat isn’t just from illegal miners,” the group’s leader Andrew Abban warned, “but from those abusing state power to exploit legal miners.”
