The Deputy Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress Ghana, Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, has called on the President to take firmer action against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, particularly by enforcing a total ban on such activities in forest reserves and river bodies.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, March 21, Dr. Otoo expressed concern over what he described as a lack of decisive leadership in tackling the environmental and economic consequences of illegal mining.

Dr. Otoo urged the government to draw a clear line in the fight against galamsey, insisting that mining must be strictly prohibited in ecologically sensitive areas.

“I am urging the President to ensure that nobody mines in forest reserves and nobody mines in river bodies,” he said. “They can mine in other areas, but not these two.”

He stressed that such restrictions are necessary to protect Ghana’s natural environment and safeguard water resources for current and future generations.

The labour leader expressed surprise at what he perceived as a lack of firm commitment from the President during recent engagements on the issue.

“I was surprised sitting in front of the President,” he noted, suggesting that some of the comments made by the head of state gave the impression of resignation rather than determination.

According to Dr. Otoo, the consequences of illegal mining are too severe to allow for hesitation or compromise.

“The effects of galamsey are too dire for the present and the future of this country,” he warned, adding that the situation demands urgent and decisive leadership.

He emphasised that beyond environmental damage, illegal mining also poses economic risks by undermining sustainable livelihoods and threatening key sectors that depend on natural resources.

Dr. Otoo argued that the responsibility for halting galamsey rests squarely with the highest levels of government.

“The President must lead in stopping it,” he said, urging stronger enforcement of existing laws and a more uncompromising stance against illegal miners.