National Petroleum Authority CEO Edudzi Tamakloe has reaffirmed President John Mahama’s commitment to tackling Ghana’s entrenched illegal mining crisis, describing it as a “legacy challenge” inherited from previous administrations.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points, Tamakloe acknowledged public demands for faster progress but insisted the government is intensifying efforts to curb the destruction of forests and water bodies by galamsey operators.
“President Mahama is fully committed to this fight. The past eight years saw devastating damage, but we are not sleeping on the job,” Tamakloe declared. His remarks follow heightened scrutiny of the government’s approach, particularly after reports alleged that members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have exploited their political ties to seize control of protected forest reserves for mining.
The pledge comes days after a major joint military-forestry raid in the Western Region dismantled a sprawling illegal mining enclave at Abrewa Ne Nkran, where foreign nationals from Mali, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso operated self-sustained hubs with independent power systems, brothels, and evidence of human trafficking. Forestry Commission officials estimated over 10,000 miners had occupied the area, overwhelming enforcement capacity during the April 15 operation.
Tamakloe defended the government’s strategy, citing recent crackdowns and plans to amend the Minerals and Mining Act to ban forest mining. Critics, however, argue that legislative reforms have stalled, with President Mahama yet to fulfill his campaign promise to repeal the contentious Legislative Instrument (L.I.) permitting mining in reserves. Environmental groups, including the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, accuse the administration of backpedaling by opting for amendments instead of outright repeal.
The crisis underscores a broader governance dilemma. Illegal mining persists despite periodic raids and rhetoric, fueled by cross-border criminal networks, local complicity, and economic desperation. Tamakloe admitted the Forestry Commission long knew about settlements like Abrewa Ne Nkran but blamed past inertia for their expansion. “This is a complex battle, but we will deploy every resource to reclaim our environment,” he said.
Public skepticism remains high, with opposition figures and civil society demanding transparency in prosecuting high-profile enablers. The involvement of Ghanaian youth and foreign nationals many fleeing regional instability further complicates enforcement. Meanwhile, environmental degradation continues unabated, threatening biodiversity and water security.
As the government navigates these challenges, the path to sustainable solutions remains fraught. While Tamakloe’s assurances signal resolve, tangible outcomes hinge on bridging the gap between policy pledges and on-the-ground accountability. For Ghana’s forests and communities, the stakes extend beyond politics they are a test of the nation’s commitment to preserving its ecological future against the lure of illicit profit.
