The Forestry Commission has raised alarm over ongoing political interference that it says is undermining national efforts to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The Commission warns that such actions are weakening enforcement and emboldening perpetrators involved in environmental destruction.

Speaking at an end-of-year media briefing in Accra on Monday, December 15, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, said some political actors continue to interfere with the Commission’s operations, despite its clear statutory mandate to protect forest reserves and water bodies.

According to Dr Brown, enforcement teams are occasionally challenged by regional political authorities who question their presence in certain areas without prior notification.

“In the course of our work, we face political interference. You have regional ministers calling to ask why a team has been deployed to their region without their knowledge,” he stated.

He stressed that the Forestry Commission operates as a national institution and must be allowed to carry out its duties independently, without pressure or obstruction from political officeholders. Dr Brown cautioned that such interference risks undoing progress made in the fight against illegal mining.

The Forestry Commission boss noted that galamsey continues to pose a serious threat to Ghana’s forests and water resources, adding that inconsistent enforcement sends the wrong signal to illegal miners and undermines deterrence efforts.

He therefore called on political leaders at all levels to demonstrate firm commitment to the anti-galamsey agenda by supporting enforcement agencies.

Dr Brown emphasised that sustained political will and respect for institutional independence are critical to winning the fight against illegal mining.