Lawyer and entrepreneur Vicky Bright has urged the Mahama administration to place job creation and the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, at the top of its priorities, stressing that both issues must be tackled simultaneously for Ghana’s long-term survival.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show in the wake of President John Dramani Mahama’s second term in office, Ms Bright said the country’s challenges are too interconnected to treat employment and environmental protection as separate or competing goals.

“For me, it’s jobs, jobs and galamsey,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be one or the other because our problems are many in this country. If we’re going to prioritise something, I would put those two as a joint first.”

She argued that creating employment without addressing the dangers posed by illegal mining would be counterproductive, particularly given the environmental destruction and health risks associated with galamsey. “There’s no point in creating jobs if we are killing people,” she added.

Vicky Bright emphasised that the youth must be at the centre of policy decisions under the new administration, describing them as critical to Ghana’s future. According to her, meaningful job opportunities and stronger protection from harmful practices like illegal mining are essential to safeguarding young people.

“The youth are the future of this nation. They are so precious to Ghana’s very survival,” she said, calling on the government to “look after our youth” and ensure they are better protected.

Her comments come at a time when the Mahama-led government has renewed its focus on job creation, youth empowerment and environmental protection, with galamsey remaining a major national concern due to its impact on water bodies, farmlands and public health.

The remarks add to growing public debate over how the government can balance economic opportunities for young people with stricter enforcement against illegal mining as Ghana charts its course under President Mahama’s second term.