No Significant Change in Galamsey Expansion Under Mahama, Claims NPP’s Awal Mohammed

Introduction

The fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, remains a critical and contentious issue in the political landscape of Ghana. As the country anticipates the beginning of President John Dramani Mahama’s second term in 2026, scrutiny regarding the administration’s effectiveness in curbing environmental degradation is intensifying. Awal Mohammed, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, has recently voiced strong criticisms regarding the current government’s approach.

Speaking on the AM Show, Mohammed argued that despite the return of the Mahama administration, there has been no fundamental shift in the trajectory of illegal mining activities. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of these claims, exploring the continuity of enforcement tactics, the political rhetoric surrounding amnesty, and the rising tensions involving security agencies and illegal miners.

Key Points

Background

Illegal mining, or galamsey, has been a persistent challenge for Ghana for decades. It involves the extraction of gold and other minerals without the necessary legal permits, often using rudimentary methods that cause significant environmental damage. The practice has led to the pollution of major water bodies, including the Pra and Ankobra rivers, and has caused conflicts over land and resources.

The 2024 general election was heavily influenced by this issue. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) government prior to 2026 had waged a “war on galamsey,” employing military task forces to arrest miners and destroy mining equipment. However, the economic allure of gold and the lack of sustainable alternative livelihoods for many youth have made the eradication of the practice difficult.

President John Dramani Mahama, then in opposition, campaigned on a platform that included a nuanced approach to the issue. He suggested that the fight should focus on the “big men” or financiers behind the operations rather than solely punishing the youth who do the manual labor. This formed the backdrop of the transition of power in 2026 and the subsequent evaluation of the government’s performance by opposition elements like Awal Mohammed.

Analysis

The Argument Regarding “No Significant Exchange”

Awal Mohammed’s central claim is that there has been “no significant exchange in expansion.” In this context, “exchange” implies a change in strategy or a reduction in the rate of illegal mining. He argues that the Mahama administration has failed to bring fresh ideas to the table. His assertion is rooted in the observation that the visible actions on the ground—raids, arrests, and equipment seizure—are identical to those of 2024.

If a government continues the exact same enforcement tactics used by its predecessor without a change in results, the opposition argues it cannot claim a unique victory or decisive leadership. This critique targets the perception of leadership rather than the legality of the actions themselves.

Pre-2024 Enforcement as a Baseline

To validate his claim, Mohammed pointed to specific actions taken before the change of administration. “In 2024 we were doing arrests. We were even burning excavators. We were jailing people,” he stated. By highlighting that these punitive measures were already in place, he challenges the current administration to demonstrate what is new. If the “war on galamsey” was already being fought with arrests and destruction of equipment, a simple continuation of these policies suggests stagnation rather than a new, more effective phase of the fight.

The Amnesty Narrative and Its Consequences

Perhaps the most politically charged aspect of the analysis is the reference to President Mahama’s campaign promise of amnesty. Mohammed argues that by suggesting leniency for the youth (often referred to as the “foot soldiers” of galamsey), the President inadvertently signaled to the broader network of illegal mining that the enforcement regime would soften.

According to Mohammed, this rhetoric “emboldened key actors in the capital.” The logic here is that if the head of state is perceived as sympathetic to the miners, the financiers and organizers of galamsey may feel emboldened to expand their operations, believing that the political will to prosecute them has waned. This creates a complex dynamic where political rhetoric can influence criminal behavior on the ground.

Rising Boldness and Security Implications

One of the most alarming points raised by the NPP communicator is the alleged increase in violence against state security. He cited a specific incident where an MP allegedly organized a group to attack military personnel at a police station. Describing this as “unprecedented,” Mohammed uses this to illustrate a breakdown in law and order.

Historically, while there have been clashes between miners and security forces, direct assaults on military personnel stationed at police facilities suggest a high level of audacity. If verified, such incidents indicate that illegal miners feel protected or are willing to take extreme risks, potentially due to perceived political backing or a belief that the state’s response will be tepid.

Practical Advice

For stakeholders involved in the anti-galamsey fight and the general public, understanding the current dynamics is crucial. Here are practical steps and considerations for navigating this complex issue:

For Policymakers

• Clarify the Amnesty Policy: The government must clearly define the parameters of any amnesty or rehabilitation programs. Ambiguity can be exploited by financiers to continue operations under the guise of protecting youth.
• Introduce Innovative Enforcement: To counter the claim of stagnation, new technologies such as drone surveillance, satellite monitoring, and water quality sensors should be deployed visibly to show a shift in strategy.
• Target Financiers Aggressively: To validate the campaign rhetoric about targeting “big men,” high-profile arrests and prosecutions of financiers must be made public to demonstrate a shift from arresting only the poor youth.

For Environmental Advocates

• Document Evidence: Independent monitoring of water bodies and forest reserves is essential to provide objective data on whether the expansion of galamsey is actually slowing down.
• Engage in Civic Education: Educate communities on the long-term health risks associated with mercury and polluted water, which remain high regardless of the political administration.

For the General Public

• Verify Information: In a highly politicized environment, verify claims about specific incidents (like the alleged MP-led attack) through multiple credible news sources before sharing.
• Report Illegal Activity: Utilize official channels to report galamsey hotspots, ensuring that evidence is provided to relevant environmental protection agencies.

FAQ

Conclusion

The claims by Awal Mohammed highlight a deep political divide regarding the management of Ghana’s natural resources. By asserting that there is “no significant exchange in galamsey expansion,” the NPP communicator challenges the Mahama administration to prove its efficacy through new, tangible results rather than relying on past enforcement tactics. The reference to rising boldness and violence among illegal miners underscores the urgency of the situation.

Ultimately, the battle against galamsey transcends political administration. While the opposition critiques the lack of innovation, the government faces the immense challenge of balancing economic livelihoods with environmental preservation. For the Ghanaian public, the true measure of success will not be political rhetoric, but the visible restoration of polluted water bodies and the dismantling of the financial networks driving the illegal mining industry.