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President John Dramani Mahama’s maiden media encounter has stirred strong reactions from environmental advocates, with the Eco-Conscious Citizens group describing his remarks on illegal mining as “disappointing” and lacking urgency.
Speaking after the President addressed the press, Awula Serwah, Coordinator of the environmental advocacy group, expressed concern over what she called the government’s “reluctance” to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
“By all means, if we have any tools to fight this canker, why wait? This is an existential threat we face. The reluctance is astonishing,” Serwah said.
She added that while the group remains hopeful the President will reassess his position, Ghanaians expect decisive action rather than political indecision.
“I’m confident that the President will realize that Ghanaians did not vote for ‘musical chairs’. We voted for an end to the canker,” she stressed.
Illegal mining continues to pose a major environmental and social challenge in Ghana, threatening water bodies, farmlands, and communities across the country. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement measures, stricter regulations, and alternative livelihoods for those engaged in the practice.
President Mahama, in his response during the media encounter, emphasized the need for a careful and balanced approach to the issue, pointing to the economic and social complexities surrounding illegal mining. However, environmentalists insist that immediate, firm action is critical to preserving the country’s ecological future.
