The ongoing protest against illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey,” has drawn sharp reactions from stakeholders, with critics questioning the sincerity of the current fight under the Mahama administration. However, the Member of Parliament for Atebubu Amantin and Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Sanja Nanja, has come out strongly in defense of President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts, describing the criticisms as unfair and politically motivated.
Speaking on the Simpieso Political Show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Emmanuel Martey, popularly known as Alaska De Don, the MP emphasized that President Mahama, despite being in office for barely four months, has demonstrated genuine political will and is already making significant headway in combating illegal mining.
“President Mahama and his sector minister have shown strong resolve, and with sustained collective effort, Ghana can finally make meaningful gains in protecting our environment and water bodies,” Sanja Nanja stated.
He noted that although successive governments have acknowledged the environmental and social harm caused by galamsey, tangible results have remained elusive—especially during the eight-year tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who publicly declared that he had placed his presidency on the line to end illegal mining.
“Unfortunately, former President Akufo-Addo lacked the political will to act decisively. His government failed to produce any meaningful results, despite all the rhetoric,” Nanja added.
The MP praised the current administration’s holistic and strategic approach, which includes the deployment of the military, policy reforms, and the active involvement of forest guards. He argued that the NDC government has already begun achieving visible progress by combining enforcement with sustainable environmental management.
Looking ahead, Nanja called for a sustained national effort to uproot the deep-rooted galamsey menace, especially as it continues to attract vulnerable youth from across the sub-region who see illegal mining as a source of income and employment.
“We must not relent. It is a regional challenge and requires consistency, commitment, and a united front,” he urged.
He also criticized what he called the “hypocritical posture” of some protestors and opposition voices, who are quick to question the Mahama administration’s motives after only four months in office, yet remained silent during the NPP’s eight years of ineffective action.
“It’s politically dishonest to question the NDC’s sincerity after just four months, when the NPP had eight full years and still failed. Let’s be fair and objective about who is actually delivering results,” he concluded.
