Inauguration: I was disappointed Mahama didn’t address ‘galamsey’ – Asah-Asante

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a political scientist, has voiced disappointment over President John Mahama’s failure to address illegal mining, or ‘galamsey,’ in his inaugural speech on January 7, 2025.

While the President highlighted corruption, education, healthcare, and economic issues, the omission of the galamsey crisis left Dr. Asah-Asante dismayed.

Speaking on Morning Starr, he emphasized the environmental and economic toll of galamsey, which has cost Ghana an estimated $2.3 billion in revenue and caused severe deforestation and water pollution.

Dr. Asah-Asante urged the government to prioritize the fight against illegal mining, advocating for licensing small-scale miners to ensure environmental protection and economic benefits.

"This is a battle we cannot abandon," he stated, calling for immediate action to sustain the fight against galamsey.