Mahama’s First‑Term Galamsey Crackdown: Why Political Software Solutions Failed, According to Dr. Henry Kokofu

Introduction

In the heated debate surrounding illegal mining—locally known as galamsey—the administration of President John Mahama has been scrutinised for its handling of a first‑term galamsey crackdown. Dr. Henry Kokofu, former Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has argued that the campaign faltered because it leaned on political software solutions rather than robust institutional enforcement. This article unpacks the claim, places it in historical context, analyses the shortcomings, and offers practical guidance for future policymakers. By weaving together verified statements, legal frameworks, and expert commentary, the piece aims to serve both scholars and practitioners seeking a clear, SEO‑optimised understanding of the issue.

Key Points

Background

What is galamsey?

Galamsey denotes informal, small‑scale gold mining that often operates outside formal licensing regimes. While it provides livelihoods for thousands, it also leads to deforestation, water contamination, and loss of revenue for the state.

Historical attempts at regulation

Ghana’s first major legislative response was the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, which introduced licensing for artisanal mining and stipulated environmental safeguards. Subsequent amendments in 2015 and 2020 tightened penalties for illegal activity but struggled with implementation due to inadequate institutional capacity.

Political dimensions of past crackdowns

Previous administrations, notably under President John Kufuor and John Atta Mills, attempted to curb galamsey through joint military‑police operations. However, these efforts were frequently undermined by patronage networks that placed party officials at the helm of enforcement, a pattern that Kokofu describes as “political software solutions.”

Analysis

Why political software solutions failed

1. Fragmented command structures: The inter‑ministerial committee was dominated by political appointees rather than technical experts, leading to inconsistent directives and a lack of clear accountability.

2. Short‑term political gains over long‑term sustainability: Policies were often designed to showcase quick wins ahead of elections, resulting in ad‑hoc raids that did not address root causes such as livelihood alternatives for miners.

3. Erosion of legal credibility: When enforcement actions were perceived as politically motivated, they faced legal challenges and public distrust, weakening the authority of state institutions.

Legal implications of political interference

Under Ghanaian law, the EPA and the Minerals Commission are mandated to enforce mining regulations independently. When political actors dictate enforcement priorities, they risk violating the principle of separation of powers and potentially breaching the 1992 Constitution (Article 189), which guarantees the independence of agencies tasked with environmental protection.

Comparative perspective: Institutional vs. political approaches

Countries such as Peru and Colombia have achieved more durable reductions in illegal mining by establishing autonomous environmental courts and dedicated mining police units. These models contrast sharply with Ghana’s experience, where politicised command structures limited the reach of enforcement.

Practical Advice

For policymakers

1. Prioritise institutional autonomy: Design enforcement frameworks that insulate agencies from partisan appointment cycles.
2. Invest in alternative livelihoods: Complement crackdowns with programs that provide training and micro‑finance for former galamsey miners.
3. Strengthen data‑driven monitoring: Deploy satellite imagery and GIS tools to track illegal mining hotspots, reducing reliance on anecdotal intelligence.

For anti‑galamsey advocates

• Engage community leaders early to build trust and facilitate reporting of illegal activities.
• Leverage legal avenues—such as filing complaints with the EPA or the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice—to hold violators accountable.
• Promote public awareness campaigns that highlight the environmental and health impacts of unregulated mining.

For researchers and journalists

Adopt a fact‑checking methodology that cross‑references official statements, legislative texts, and independent monitoring reports. This ensures that coverage remains accurate and contributes to an informed public discourse.

FAQ

Conclusion

The first‑term galamsey crackdown under President Mahama illustrates a critical lesson: effective environmental governance in Ghana hinges on separating technical enforcement from partisan politics. Dr. Henry Kokofu’s analysis underscores that “political software solutions” weakened the campaign by fragmenting authority, undermining legal credibility, and prioritising short‑term optics over long‑term sustainability. Future efforts must therefore empower independent state institutions, integrate data‑driven monitoring, and pair enforcement with livelihood alternatives. By doing so, Ghana can move beyond episodic crackdowns toward a durable, legally sound strategy for eliminating illegal mining and safeguarding its natural resources.

Sources

• Kokofu, H. (2025, December 17). Interview on Citi FM. Retrieved from https://citifmonline.com/
• Government of Ghana. Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
• Government of Ghana. Environmental Protection Act, 1998 (Act 571).
• World Bank. (2023). Artisanal Mining and Sustainable Development in Africa.
• UNESCO. (2022). Galamsey and Its Environmental Impact in West Africa.
• Constitution of Ghana, 1992. Article 189 – Independence of State Institutions.