44% of Ghanaians say galamsey fight has seen no change under Mahama

A new report by Global Info Analytics shows that 44% of Ghanaians think the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, has not changed since President John Mahama took office in January.

The survey looked at the current state of illegal mining in Ghana. It found that 44% of respondents believe the situation is the same under Mahama. Only 10% think it has worsened. Meanwhile, 38% feel it has improved, and 8% have no opinion.

The report also assesses anti-galamsey efforts in different regions and nationally. At the national level, 38% said the fight against illegal mining has improved. However, 44% felt there had been no change since January.

Ten percent believed the situation had worsened, while 9% did not have an opinion. In mining regions, only 28% felt efforts to combat galamsey had improved. Twenty-five percent thought the situation had worsened, while 42% believed there was no change.

Only 5% had no opinion on this matter. In non-mining regions, 42% felt the situation had improved. Nine percent thought it had worsened, while 39% said it remained unchanged. Ten percent had no opinion.

State institutions and civil society organizations are pushing for stronger measures against illegal mining. Ahead of the 2024 general elections, John Mahama promised that a future National Democratic Congress (NDC) government would repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2642 if necessary.

This law allows mining in forest reserves if not addressed by the previous NPP government. Recently, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah reaffirmed the government's commitment to fighting illegal mining in these areas.

He called for repealing L.I. 2462, which gives the president authority to permit mining in protected areas.