Here is the rewritten article, structured in clean HTML, optimized for SEO, and expanded with pedagogical depth while strictly adhering to the facts provided.

Galamsey Crackdown: IMANI Boss Challenges Mahama to Purge NDC of Mining Interests

Franklin Cudjoe argues that legislative victories against illegal mining will fail unless President Mahama confronts vested interests within his own party.

Introduction

The fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, has reached a critical juncture in Ghana. While the government has recently taken bold legislative steps to protect the environment, a leading policy think tank is warning that legal frameworks alone are insufficient. Franklin Cudjoe, the President of IMANI Africa, has issued a direct challenge to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to look inward and purge the vested interests within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that are allegedly fueling the environmental crisis. This article analyzes the implications of these demands, the recent policy shifts, and what is required to turn the tide against environmental degradation.

Key Points

Background

Illegal mining has devastated Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and agricultural lands for years. Despite various interventions, the practice has persisted, often shielded by political patronage. In December 2025, the government initiated a renewed crackdown, culminating in significant policy shifts.

On December 10, 2025, the government officially revoked L.I. 2462 (The Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation). This landmark legislation had previously exposed approximately 89% of Ghana’s woodland reserves to potential mining activities. Its revocation was widely hailed as a major victory for environmental protection.

Following this, on December 15, the Forestry Commission unveiled a “means ahead” proposal designed to tackle “new-age threats” to woodland sustainability. However, despite these government efforts, a coalition of 17 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)—including A Rocha Ghana and Eco-Conscious Citizens—issued a statement on December 18. While they officially welcomed the revocation of L.I. 2462, they warned that a staggering 80% of forests remain at significant risk due to persistent encroachment and illegal logging.

Analysis

Against this backdrop, Franklin Cudjoe appeared on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to provide a critical analysis of the situation. His central thesis is that the galamsey economy is no longer just a survival activity for the poor but a lucrative expansion strategy for powerful political actors.

The Nature of Vested Interests

Cudjoe argues that the primary obstacle to ending illegal mining is not a lack of laws, but the presence of robust “insiders” who treat galamsey as a guaranteed revenue stream. He expressed sadness that the trade continues despite clear environmental costs. “It’s a vested interest. Those who are benefiting are partaking in this illegal trade,” he noted. This suggests that the economic incentives for high-level political protection are currently outweighing the deterrents provided by existing laws.

The Political Risk to President Mahama

Directly addressing the President, Cudjoe framed the issue as a test of political will. He challenged the narrative that the opposition is the sole impediment, pointing instead to internal party dynamics. “I believe President Mahama really wants to stop this… If indeed he needs to stop it, he must look out for those vested interests within the party [NDC] who are behind and making this problem continue as a profitable business.”

This statement highlights a complex political reality: leaders often struggle to discipline members who generate illicit funds that may be crucial for party financing or personal enrichment. Cudjoe’s demand is essentially a call for the President to prioritize national environmental security over internal party cohesion.

Culture of Impunity in Parliament

The analysis extends to the legislative branch, where the rule of law is supposed to be upheld. Cudjoe expressed alarm over reports that some Members of Parliament (MPs) have been sighted at mining sites. These MPs allegedly justify their presence by claiming the lands are ancestral or family property.

This defense is legally tenuous in the context of Ghana’s constitutional provisions regarding state ownership of lands and mineral resources. Cudjoe warns that such actions by lawmakers create a culture of impunity. If legislators—who make the laws—are seen to be flouting them, it becomes nearly impossible for the executive branch to enforce regulations effectively. “We can repeal all the laws we want, but if we don’t follow it up with real action, I don’t think this thing can be solved any moment from now,” he cautioned.

Practical Advice

To bridge the gap between policy announcements and on-the-ground results, Franklin Cudjoe offered specific, actionable recommendations for the Mahama administration. These strategies focus on accountability and performance management.

Implementing a KPI Framework

Mr. Cudjoe recommended that the President move beyond general directives and implement a strict Key Performance Indicator (KPI) system for the officials directly responsible for the anti-galamsey fight. This includes:

• The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources (Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah): Responsible for policy direction and regulatory oversight.
• The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS): Responsible for coordination and enforcement.

The advice is to set clear, time-bound targets for these officials. If these targets are not met, the consequences should be immediate. “Maybe he should set KPIs on NAIMOS sector ministers; if they don’t get this done within a certain period, then we can question them and probably ask them to leave their positions,” Cudjoe recommended. This approach introduces high-stakes accountability into the bureaucratic process.

Ending the “Ancestral Land” Justification

There is an urgent need for public education and legal enforcement regarding land rights. While customary law recognizes ancestral lands, the Minerals and Mining Act vests mineral rights in the President on behalf of the people. Practical advice for the government involves:

• Legal Clarification: Publicly clarifying that ancestral claims do not supersede state environmental regulations or mineral rights.
• MP Sanctions: Investigating and sanctioning MPs found at mining sites to deter others from using political office to shield illegal activities.

FAQ

Conclusion

The battle against illegal mining in Ghana has entered a new phase. While the revocation of L.I. 2462 marks a significant legislative victory, the insights from Franklin Cudjoe and IMANI Africa serve as a sobering reality check. The persistence of galamsey is deeply rooted in political economy dynamics, specifically the protection of vested interests.

President Mahama faces a difficult choice: appease internal party actors who benefit from the status quo or execute a rigorous internal purge to save Ghana’s environment. As Cudjoe eloquently stated, repealing laws is not enough. The government must transition from legislative maneuvering to ruthless enforcement and accountability. Without this shift, Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves will continue to pay the price for political expediency.