Mahama’s CSO Assembly: A Diversion from Galamsey Strain – NPP’s Dr Ekua Amoakoh

Introduction

In a recent commentary published by *Life Pulse Daily*, Dr. Ekua Amoakoh, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, criticized President Mahama’s meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the issue of **unlawful mining**—commonly referred to as *galamsey*. Dr. Amoakoh argued that the assembly, held to address the **galamsey strain**, was a public relations maneuver rather than a substantive effort to tackle the crisis. Her remarks highlight broader concerns about the **government’s failure to deliver** on promises, the lack of concrete action against illegal mining, and the involvement of political figures in the illicit activity. This analysis explores Dr. Amoakoh’s critique, the context of the galamsey issue, and the implications for Ghana’s political and environmental landscape.

—

Analysis

The Galamsey Crisis: A Persistent Threat

**Galamsey**, or illegal mining, has become a pressing issue in Ghana, causing environmental degradation, social unrest, and economic instability. The practice involves the use of rudimentary techniques to extract gold, often without proper permits or oversight. Despite government efforts, the problem persists, with reports of widespread contamination of water bodies, displacement of communities, and the involvement of organized crime groups.

Dr. Amoakoh’s critique centers on the **lack of progress** under President Mahama’s administration. She emphasized that the CSO assembly appeared to be a **diversion** from the **real challenges** of galamsey. By focusing on dialogue rather than actionable solutions, the government risks further eroding public trust.

A PR Move or a Genuine Engagement?

Dr. Amoakoh questioned the **effectiveness** of the CSO assembly, stating, “I don’t think it’s just the Minority that see it as such… the one thing I noted was there’s nothing new that he said.” She argued that the meeting merely restated initiatives already inherited by the government, such as the **use of artificial intelligence (AI)** to monitor mining activities. However, she noted that these measures were **promised during the NDC’s campaign** but **never implemented** after taking office.

This **disconnect between promises and actions** underscores a recurring issue in Ghanaian politics: the **failure to fulfill commitments**. The government’s reliance on stakeholder engagement, without concrete steps to address the root causes of galamsey, has left many skeptical.

The Role of Political Will

A key point of contention is the **lack of political will** to combat galamsey. Dr. Amoakoh highlighted a **video** of the current Minister for Communications, who, while in opposition, claimed that Ghana’s military and police forces were **capable** of curbing illegal mining. However, **nine months into the current administration**, no significant improvements have been observed.

This raises questions about the **consistency** of the government’s approach. If the military and police were indeed prepared to tackle galamsey, why has there been **no visible action**? Dr. Amoakoh suggests that **exuses** have replaced **solutions**, stating, “There are just more **exuses**.”

—

Summary

Dr. Ekua Amoakoh’s critique of President Mahama’s CSO assembly underscores a growing disillusionment with the government’s handling of **galamsey**. Key takeaways include:
1. The assembly was perceived as a **public relations tactic** rather than a substantive effort.
2. **No new solutions** were introduced, with previous initiatives inherited from the NDC’s tenure.
3. The **failure to repeal the Legislative Instrument (LI)** governing small-scale mining, despite repeated promises.
4. **Involvement of NDC figures** in galamsey, as alleged by Dr. Amoakoh.
5. The **lack of political will** to address the issue, despite available resources.

The article concludes that **meaningful action**—not just dialogue—is required to resolve the galamsey crisis.

—

Key Points

Practical Advice

To effectively address galamsey, Ghana’s government should consider the following steps:

1. **Enforce Strict Regulations**

Implement **stricter penalties** for illegal mining and **mandate** compliance with environmental laws. This includes **monitoring** and **punishing** those who violate regulations.

2. **Leverage Technology**

Integrate **AI and satellite surveillance** to monitor mining activities in real time. This would help identify and **target** illegal operations, as previously promised.

3. **Repeal Outdated Legislation**

**Repeal the LI** governing small-scale mining and replace it with **modern, transparent frameworks**. This would ensure that legal mining operations are **sustainable** and **environmentally responsible**.

4. **Collaborate with Communities**

Engage **local leaders and communities** in **monitoring** and **reporting** illegal activities. Community involvement is critical to long-term success.

5. **Prioritize Transparency**

Publish **data on galamsey-related incidents** and **enforcement actions**. Public accountability can **build trust** and **prevent corruption**.

—

Points of Caution

1. **Avoiding Superficial Measures**

Governments must ensure that **stakeholder meetings** lead to **tangible outcomes**. Without **concrete plans**, such assemblies risk **alienating** the public.

2. **Avoiding Political Bias**

Critiques should be **evidence-based** rather than partisan. While Dr. Amoakoh’s analysis highlights systemic issues, **constructive dialogue** is essential for progress.

3. **Balancing Economic and Environmental Goals**

Policies must **balance** the **economic benefits** of mining with **environmental protection**. Unregulated mining can **exacerbate poverty** and **ecological damage**.

4. **Addressing Corruption**

Tackling galamsey requires **systemic reforms**, including **anti-corruption measures**. Without addressing **governance issues**, efforts to combat illegal mining will **lack effectiveness**.

—

Comparison: NPP vs. NDC Approaches

Dr. Amoakoh’s critique contrasts sharply with the current government’s **defensive stance**. While the NPP accuses the NDC of **inaction**, the NDC’s strategies—such as **AI implementation** and **legal reforms**—remain **unrealized**.

– **NPP’s Focus**: Emphasizes **accountability** and **transparency**, urging the NDC to **own the crisis**.
– **NDC’s Focus**: Promises **technology-driven solutions** but **fails to execute**.

This **political divide** highlights the need for **collaborative approaches** beyond partisan agendas.

—

Legal Implications

1. **Legislative Instrument (LI)**

The **LI governing small-scale mining** has been a point of contention. Critics argue that **repealing it** would **clarify legal frameworks** and **reduce exploitation**. However, the government’s **failure to act** has led to **ambiguity** in enforcement.

2. **Gold Board Act**

The **secret passage of the Gold Board Act** raises **legal concerns**. Critics argue that it **legitimizes** illegal mining by **providing loopholes**. This could **undermine** efforts to **enforce regulations**.

3. **Accountability for Politicians**

If **NDC members** are indeed involved in galamsey, there may be **legal repercussions**. However, **prosecution** remains **unlikely** without **strong evidence** and **political will**.

—

Conclusion

Dr. Ekua Amoakoh’s critique of President Mahama’s CSO assembly underscores a **critical moment** in Ghana’s fight against **galamsey**. The government’s **reliance on dialogue** over **action** and its **failure to fulfill promises** have left citizens disillusioned. To address the **galamsey strain**, the administration must **prioritize transparency**, **enforcement**, and **community engagement**. While challenges persist, **sustainable solutions** require **political courage** and **public-private collaboration**.

—

FAQ

Sources

– *Life Pulse Daily* – Dr. Ekua Amoakoh’s commentary (October 7, 2025).
– *Ghana’s Environmental and Mining Laws* – Official legislative frameworks.
– Public statements by the Minister for Communications and NPP leadership.

*Note: This article is based on publicly available information and does not reflect the views of the author or affiliated organizations.*