The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has accused the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration of targeting individuals who campaigned against illegal mining rather than addressing the galamsey menace.
Mr Gyamfi criticised the former government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, arguing that its approach to tackling illegal mining was misdirected, particularly in 2024.
According to him, individuals who spoke out against illegal mining and environmental destruction faced arrests and imprisonment instead of receiving government support.
âIn 2024, there was no fight against illegal mining in Ghana under President Akufo-Addo. The fight was rather against those fighting illegal mining. Some were arrested and put into prison cells,â he said.
He made the remarks during an interview on UTV Ghana on Friday, October 30, 2026, where he discussed the previous administration's handling of illegal mining and the current government's efforts to address the problem.
Gyamfi Compares NPP and NDC Approaches
Mr Gyamfi contrasted the NPP administration's record with that of President John Dramani Mahama, insisting that the current government had demonstrated a stronger commitment to fighting galamsey.
He argued that the Mahama administration was taking steps to protect the country's natural resources and confront illegal mining activities, which continue to threaten Ghana's rivers, forest reserves and agricultural lands.
Galamsey Remains a Major Environmental Concern
Illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, remains a major environmental challenge in Ghana. Its activities have contributed to pollution of water bodies, destruction of forest reserves and concerns about the long-term sustainability of the country's natural resources.
The issue has remained a major subject of political debate, with successive governments facing pressure from civil society organisations, environmental groups and the public to find lasting solutions.
Mr Gyamfi's comments have added to the ongoing debate over the performance of successive administrations in tackling illegal mining and protecting Ghana's environment.
