Mahama’s gov't has 'disappointingly betrayed' Ghanaians on galamsey promise – Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He called their handling of illegal mining, or galamsey, a “disappointing and unpardonable betrayal.”

At a press conference in Accra on May 8, 2025, he expressed his concerns. Afenyo-Markin said the NDC's actions contradict their campaign promises. He accused the government of failing to declare a state of emergency as promised.

He highlighted ongoing environmental destruction in mining communities. “Illegal mining devastates our rivers and poisons our lands,” he stated. The Minority Leader noted that silence and inaction replaced the promised emergency measures.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama announced plans to ban mining in forest reserves. He revealed this during a national address on May 7 about his administration’s first 120 days. Mahama outlined a strategy to reform the mining sector with regulatory changes and stronger law enforcement.

“We’ve taken decisive action through a five-point strategy,” he said. “Seven out of nine reserves have been reclaimed, and illegal miners have been removed.”

On March 20, 2025, Parliament received L.I. 2462 to amend regulations on mining in forest reserves. This amendment removes the president’s power to allow mining there.

President Mahama committed to further amending the Minerals and Mining Act. “I plan to completely prohibit mining in forest reserves,” he promised.