President John Mahama says Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is beginning to show encouraging results, with some previously polluted water bodies gradually clearing up.

He said although the battle has been difficult and, at times, dangerous for enforcement teams, sustained efforts by state institutions and community-based actors are starting to pay off.

Speaking at the 77th Annual New Year School at the University of Ghana, President Mahama commended the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Environmental Protection Agency, and other stakeholders for their commitment to tackling the menace.

“It has so entered the fabric of our people that it’s not been an easy fight,” the President noted, pointing to instances where communities have mobilised to resist enforcement operations.

“Communities have attacked task forces when they go to enforce the ban on illegal mining,” he said.

Despite the challenges, President Mahama urged the various enforcement agencies not to relent, stressing that visible progress is already being made.

“There are some positive results beginning to show. I want to encourage the task force, the Minister, the EPA, and all those involved in the fight against illegal mining, please don’t give up.”

The President shared a personal observation to illustrate the impact of recent interventions, recounting a visit to Crown Forest.

"When you go to where they have the animals, you cross a stream. And before we cross the bridge, I asked them, which river is this? They said it was the Ayensu River," he explained.

"And they said, if you had come here six months ago, this water was the colour of coffee. They say now is the colour of light milo. And so, and so it's getting better. And so we appreciate the work that NIAMOS and the river guards are doing."

According to him, the improvement was the result of sustained upstream operations by NAIMOS and river guards who moved in to stop illegal mining activities along the river’s source.

President Mahama said the government is complementing enforcement with broader environmental and climate-focused policies.

“We’re implementing sustainable mining practices, protecting forests and water bodies, investing in renewable energy, and strengthening climate adaptation for vulnerable communities,” he stated.

He called for renewed resolve, saying the gradual recovery of rivers like the Ayensu should serve as motivation to intensify the fight against galamsey and protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.