The recent arrest of 26 illegal miners near Samreboi in the Western region has shed light on discussions on Ghana's ongoing battle against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking on JoyNews' AM Show on Friday, April 18, the Dean of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof Isaac Boadi, expressed doubt about the effectiveness of current measures.

He stated, "I must be honest, Ghana’s environment is collapsing, and until the powerful, the kingpins face prosecution and consequences, this ‘fight’ is nothing but a staged drama."​

Prof Boadi's remarks came in response to a report detailing the significant police operation that led to the arrest of 26 individuals involved in illegal mining activities in a forest reserve near Samreboi in the Western Region.

Read also: Police crack down on illegal mining, 26 arrested in major galamsey bust near Samreboi

This operation is part of a broader initiative by the Ghana Police Service to combat illegal mining, which has been linked to severe environmental degradation, including deforestation and water pollution.​

Prof Boadi emphasised the need for a more comprehensive approach that includes prosecuting the masterminds and those who benefit from such activities.

He warned that without addressing the involvement of powerful figures, the fight against galamsey would remain ineffective.