Legal practitioner and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Legal Directorate, Kingsley Amoakwa-Boadu, has called on government to take decisive action against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, rather than merely raising concerns.

Speaking on the issue of illegal mining and its devastating impact on Ghana's environment, Mr Amoakwa-Boadu criticised President Mahama for what he described as a passive approach.

“When in opposition, the NDC was quick to highlight issues like galamsey to create public aversion against us. Now they are in government; it’s time to act, not complain,” he stated.

“The President should tell us, ‘I came to meet this problem, and these are the steps I’m taking to solve it.’ That’s what leadership is about—offering solutions, not just identifying problems,” he added.

Read also: 44 of Ghana’s Forest Reserves under siege by armed illegal miners – Lands Minister

Mr Amoakwa-Boadu stressed that there is a clear distinction between legal and illegal miners and that illegal activities should be met with strong government intervention. “If it’s illegal mining, there’s no legal basis whatsoever for its continuation. The government must act decisively to stop it rather than bringing it to public attention without taking action,” he asserted.

He also urged President Mahama to transition fully into his role as a governing president rather than maintaining the posture of an opposition leader, adding that "now they wield executive power, so they must operationalise their policies to fight galamsey.”

His remarks come after the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah disclosed that 44 of the country’s forest reserves are under severe threat from heavily armed illegal small-scale miners, commonly known as galamsey operators.

He explained that forest guards and the Forestry Commissions rapid response team are unable to confront these miners effectively because they lack the advanced weaponry the galamsey operators possess.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, February 20, the minister highlighted the growing crisis, stating, “Ghana’s forests are facing serious threats of deforestation and degradation due to well-known factors.

“The country is experiencing an unprecedented assault on its forest resources and water bodies, largely driven by illegal mining activities.”

He warned that the situation has escalated into a national emergency with severe security and public health implications, requiring urgent intervention.

Highlighting the complexities of addressing illegal mining, Mr Amoakwa-Boadu suggested a mixed approach combining strict enforcement with education and policy support.

He also referenced past efforts to regulate small-scale mining, noting that the allure of sudden wealth makes it difficult to eradicate galamsey solely through enforcement.

Read also: Mahama instructs anti-galamsey team to seize, not burn excavators

“A command-and-control approach should be blended with education and regulation. In places like South Africa, strict measures have been taken, but there’s also a need to regulate and support small-scale miners. Ghana should adopt a similar balanced strategy,” he explained.