Podcasts about galamsey

The Amansie Central District Chief Executive to be dismissed and prosecuted following a damning JoyNews investigation uncovering an alleged extortion syndicate linked to illegal mining activities. The latest Hotline documentary, A Tax for Galamsey, reveals how illegal miners are reportedly registered, taxed, receipted, and protected by government appointees while the environment is destroyed.

Deputy NADMO Coordinator in Aowin is going round with his taskforce extorting money from miners - Stephen Morcher (MCE, Aowin)

A member of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force was shot during a routine anti-galamsey operation in the Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region

Kwadwo Kyei Yamoah says despite efforts by NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards, galamsey continues because strong political will is lacking. He says they will hold extensive discussions with the President to address the issue

“President Mahama has failed Ghanaians due to his inability to address irresponsible mining.” - Godfred Alufar Bokpin, Economist & Finance Professor

President John Mahama has stated that the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, is beginning to yield positive results, with some water bodies starting to show signs of recovery

This discussion takes a closer look at the true state of Ghana's fight against illegal mining, beyond reports, promises, and policy statements. We explore what is happening on the ground, the challenges authorities face, the impact on communities, and whether current strategies are making a real difference. Listen as we uncover the facts, the gaps, and the way forward in addressing the galamsey crisis

Erastus Asare Donkor and his team are set to release a revealing documentary exposing various MMDCEs allegedly involved in illegal mining. He further challenges any MMDCE unwilling to actively combat galamsey in their district or municipality to step down and allow committed leaders to take charge

For the 1st time in Ghana's history, we have food in abundance but no buyers. According to the sector's leadership, food is so abundant that the real issue now is market access, not production. This comes in response to concerns that galamsey is harming agriculture. The message is simple: despite the destruction happening on the ground, the country's food system remains productive, but buyers is where the real crisis lies.

“To curb the fight against galamsey, the Forestry Commission should be strengthened and reorganized into a well-trained, regionally distributed force with the necessary resources to effectively combat illegal mining,”- Erastus Asare Donkor, Environmental Journalist.

"The EPA accident was caused by a faulty brake, not an attack by galamseyers, and our driver was unfamiliar with the road." - A multimedia journalist recounts the incident.

Berekum West District Chief Executive, Collins Asomah, together with the district anti-galamsey task force, has arrested two individuals engaged in illegal mining at Benkasa in the Berekum West District. The suspects were apprehended on-site with their mining equipment

We have arrested about 1,690 individuals for galamsey, and everyone apprehended by NAIMOS will be dealt with accordingly. - Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Media Relations Officer, Ministry of Lands

Ernest Owusu Ntim has called for stricter accountability in the fight against illegal mining, insisting that MMDCEs should be held responsible through performance contracts. He further opposed the use of state funds to reclaim galamsey pits, urging that those who caused the destruction should bear the cost of restoration.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has reaffirmed government's determination to combat illegal mining activities (galamsey) in the region, emphasizing that this time, there is clear political will behind the fight

The Minority in Parliament is taking aim at President John Mahama, accusing him of lacking the political will to fight illegal mining. They describe his recent meeting with Civil Society Organizations as an “unproductive publicity stunt” — saying it did little to show real commitment to tackling galamsey.

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is expected to report to the head office of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. The businessman was publicly cautioned by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, on October 3, 2025, that he would be arrested if he failed to honour the CID's invitation

"We have come to understand that galamsey will not end simply because Akufo-Addo is no longer in power." - Dennis Miracles Aboagye – Director of Communications - Bawumia Campaign

Mahama must walk the talk on his galamsey promise; he assured Ghanaians and must deliver. - Akwasi Addai Odike, Founder and leader of UPP.

"This government believed that declaring state of emergency is the best tool to deal with illegal small scale mining, and they have the opportunity to, that's why people are saying they should follow through" - Samuel A. Jinapor, MP-Damongo Constituency

Some participants of the #StopGalamseyNow protest have stressed that nine months in office is enough time to put concrete measures in place to curb illegal mining. They are therefore calling on President Mahama not to fail them

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, members of the FixTheCountry movement gathered at Revolution Square in Accra for a vigil, calling on the government to step up efforts in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey

"The country that was handed over to us on 7th January 2025 was a country that was not fighting galamsey at all"- Sammy Gyamfi, C.E.O of Ghana Gold Board.

Anti-galamsey activist Erastus Asare Donkor has expressed disappointment in the government for withdrawing the IGP's taskforce, which was combating illegal mining in forest reserves. According to him, the taskforce's efforts succeeded in driving many galamsey operators out of the reserves

"As we speak if you say that galamsey gold is being exported as part of what government is talking about, you need to show evidence for it" - Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President of the Republic of Ghana

Arocha Ghana's Executive Director, Daryl Bossu, has criticized former President John Mahama over his stance on illegal mining, describing his comments as excuses and a disappointment. Mahama had argued that declaring a state of emergency should be a last resort in addressing the menace

The NDC owes Ghanaians an apology for their change of stance on galamsey and should admit that all their promises to fight it were never a reality. - Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, former MP for Ledzokuku Constituency

Chief of Sefwi Bodi Beposo, Nana Asante Bediatuo I, has vowed to sell his farmland to miners if authorities fail to curb illegal mining activities in the area

NPP should stop targeting President Mahama with galamsey; they are the real culprits and will be remembered for it. - Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC

Residents of Obuasi PTP Quarters say they are living in fear due to illegal mining activities near the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly Office, with even immigration officers and assembly staff expressing concern

The fight against galamsey (illegal mining) and the ongoing efforts to curb its impact on the environment.

President Mahama is more committed to fighting galamsey than the previous government; and for that, the galamsey classmates the NPP is seeking in the NDC, they'll never find. - Dr. Samuel Ayeh, Presidential Aide, Government Communications

Community ownership doesn't guarantee responsible mining- Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante

“Only Accra sees galamsey as a problem; the affected villages fully support it and see nothing wrong.” - Michael Kojo Peprah, President of Concerned Small Miners

Galamsey in the spotlight after fatal helicopter crash as coalition demands immediate dismissals in affected districts.

"The tragic helicopter crash should inspire President Mahama to intensify the fight against galamsey and bring it to an end once and for all, as a lasting legacy to honour the soldiers who gave their lives." - Samuel Ofosu Ampofo (Former NDC National Chairman)

"When the IGP's team went to seize excavators in the area, the Assemblyman came around and attempted to claim the machines." - Erastus Asare Donkor, Multimedia Journalist.

Former KNUST UTAG President, Professor Charles Marfo, says he supports calls for Ghana to take stronger action to end galamsey in honour of the eight people who died in the plane crash

The level of galamsey we are witnessing in 7 months of NDC's governance surpasses that of the NPP's 8 years in government; they are mining as far as President Mahama's Bole Bamboi constituency. - Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary, NPP

At least four people have been confirmed dead, and about 20 others are reportedly trapped after an illegal mining pit collapsed at Akyem Wenchi in the Denkyembour District of the Eastern Region

A 29-year-old motorcycle rider, identified as Kwasi Isaac, has tragically died after allegedly being severely beaten by members of an illegal mining (galamsey) taskforce

Joseph Yamin is not involved in galamsey. It's a calculated move by some ungrateful bigwigs within our party to tarnish his image, and we'll deal with them soon. -Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Tong Defa, has stirred national controversy by asserting that Ghana “can never eliminate” illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, and must instead find ways to manage its environmental impact.

Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining has rejected claims by Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, that illegal mining (galamsey) cannot be eradicated. Speaking at a media event in Accra on June 19, the Ambassador argued that Ghana should manage the environmental impact of galamsey rather than aim to eliminate it, and blamed Ghanaians for enabling the illegal activity. His comments have sparked controversy and backlash

The administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) and her team narrowly escaped death when they were allegedly targeted by gun-wielding thugs while attempting to release illegal Chinese miners.

The Chairman of the Trades Union Congress , Bernard Owusu, has once again pressed the government to rescind Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which permits mining activities within Ghana's forest reserves.

This is What the Minister for Lands Said About Galamsey Operations in Ghana!

See What Galamsey Operators Have Done to This Man!

Discover more Sincerely Accra!By 2030, Ghana will have to import water into the country because 60% of the country's water bodies have been destroyed by Mercury and other heavy metals from illegal small scale mining - 'Galamsey' (BBC). Joseph speaks to three experts about the extent of the damage, how it affects each citizen and what can be done to curb the carnage. Press Play!Song CreditsMusic ListOpening MusicOshe - Reynolds the Gentleman ft. Fra!Music BridgesSoul Eaters - Worlasi Sleeping Bear - Worlasi Decorated Monkey - Worlasi Music CloserWe No Go Gree - WorlasiA GCR Production - Africa's Premiere Podcast Network

A coalition of civil society organizations, labor unions, media outlets and religious leaders in Ghana have intensified pressure on the government to act decisively against illegal mining, known as galamsey. What impact does galamsey have on the country? Also, an appeal from Amnesty International to release four activists detained in Angola. There's concern over their detriorating health. We'll hear from the wife of one of those detained. And a challenge to the organisers of Fashion Week in Nigeria..to add plus size models to the catwalk!Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Rob Wilson in London. Frenny Jowi in Nairobi and Todah Opeyemi in Lagos. Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi