Government Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has clarified that President John Dramani Mahama never set a deadline for ending illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, September 15, Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that assessments of the President’s performance must be based on his own words and actions.

“To be fair, if you want to assess a president, you will have to take him by his own words and actions, the commitments that he made. President Mahama did not give any timelines to ending galamsey,” he said.

He explained that the President, during his recent media encounter, acknowledged the complexity of the issue and made it clear that illegal mining could not be eradicated instantly.

“He said at the media encounter that he was not under any illusion that by the wink of the magic wand, galamsey will end because it is an insidious problem,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu added.

The minister reaffirmed that the government remains committed to implementing sustainable interventions, including law enforcement and regulation, to curb the destructive practice.

Gov’t recognises genuine concerns on galamsey

Mr Kwakye Ofosu assured the public that the government remains committed to addressing the menace.

According to him, the administration does not dismiss the voices of ordinary Ghanaians who are directly affected by the devastation of water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems.

“Government fully appreciates the genuine concerns people have expressed on galamsey, and these are not matters we take lightly,” he said.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that while the government has rolled out several interventions, tackling galamsey requires collective responsibility.

“We cannot pretend it is an easy fight, but what we can assure Ghanaians is that the government has not lost sight of its duty to protect lives, livelihoods and the environment,” he noted.

He called on the public to support ongoing interventions and resist political interference in efforts to clamp down on the illegal activity.

“We must all rally behind the measures being implemented. The survival of our water bodies and farmlands cannot be compromised,” the Communications Minister added.