The Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the Mahama administration of failing to show the political will needed to tackle the country’s worsening illegal mining crisis, describing the government’s recent meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs) as a “publicity gimmick” meant to mask its failures.
At a press briefing in Accra on Monday, the Caucus said the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, continues to escalate despite assurances from President Mahama that his government is winning the fight.
The Minority cited the continued browning of major water bodies, heavy metal contamination of food crops, and the destruction of forest reserves as evidence that the government’s approach lacks seriousness. They referenced a joint report by Pure Earth and the Environmental Protection Agency which confirmed widespread soil and water contamination across mining areas.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that this government has failed to demonstrate the resolve required to address the galamsey crisis in a comprehensive and effective manner,” the statement read. “Ghanaians can no longer be subjected to propaganda and publicity gimmicks in place of genuine solutions.”
The group compared the current administration’s efforts unfavourably with measures taken under the previous Akufo-Addo government, listing a number of initiatives including the creation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, Operation Vanguard, and the introduction of tracking systems for earthmoving equipment.
According to the Minority, many of these interventions have simply been renamed under the new government without meaningful improvement or results. They argued that river bodies declared “red zones” under the previous administration are now being rebranded as “security zones” while the same mining practices continue unabated.
The Caucus warned that the failure to act decisively has far-reaching consequences, including rising levels of water pollution, health risks from toxic exposure, and large-scale environmental degradation.
They called on civil society groups, the clergy, traditional leaders and citizens to demand accountability and press for stronger action to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
“The fight against illegal mining can only be won through bold, consistent and effective action,” the Minority said. “Anything less would be a grave abdication of duty to the people of Ghana and to future generations.”
The statement was signed by Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Member of Parliament for Mampong and Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee.
