Ban illegal mining now – Joshua Zaato urges Mahama

Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato is a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana. He is also a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Dr. Zaato has urged President John Dramani Mahama to act against illegal mining, known as galamsey.

He made this statement during an interview on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on May 8. Dr. Zaato criticized the government's approach to fighting galamsey. He specifically mentioned the Blue Water Guard created by Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.

Dr. Zaato believes that the Ghana Armed Forces are better suited for this task. He stated, “Mr. President, you have taken a victory lap on your 120 days... It is time to work.” He called for a ban on illegal mining and said, “This Maame Water Guard cannot do anything that the soldiers would not do.”

His comments come as public scrutiny grows over the government's performance claims. Environmental degradation from illegal mining remains a pressing issue in Ghana.

In response, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications, announced plans to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462. This law allows mining in forest reserves and faces strong opposition from environmental groups like A Rocha Ghana and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey.