Catholic Bishops Urge Mahama to Confront Galamsey with Moral Courage

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October 3, 2025

Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR)

Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has taken a swipe at the previous Nana Akufo-Addo administration, accusing it of failing to effectively tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Accra on Thursday, Hon. Buah revealed startling lapses in enforcement, including the fact that no imported excavators were processed through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) over the last eight years to enable proper tracking.

“This failure to use DVLA systems made it extremely difficult to trace the individuals and companies behind the importation of heavy excavators used in galamsey,” he stated.

The Minister further disclosed that between 2023 and 2024, only 4 percent of galamsey-related arrests led to successful prosecutions. Out of 845 arrests made during the period, only 35 cases were effectively prosecuted — 24 in 2023 and 11 in 2024. This was despite a sharp increase in arrests, which rose from 218 individuals in 2023 to 627 in 2024.

Hon. Buah lamented what he described as weak law enforcement and the slow pace of investigations and prosecutions, noting that the lack of political will under the previous government severely undermined anti-galamsey efforts.

“And yet, law enforcement was weak,” he emphasized, criticizing the limited commitment among key stakeholders.

He argued that this ineffective approach crippled the state’s ability to dismantle the galamsey network and protect the country’s natural resources.

The Minister assured stakeholders that the current administration is prioritizing stronger enforcement mechanisms, improved tracking of heavy machinery, and a more aggressive prosecution strategy to reverse the damage caused by illegal mining.

Declare State of Emergency to Combat Galamsey ‘Ecocide’ — Ken Ashiegbey Challenges President

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October 3, 2025

Mr Ken Ashigbey, Member of anti-galamsey coalition

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ken Ashiegbey, has called on President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency to tackle the worsening menace of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Describing the situation as an “ecocidal genocide” being perpetrated against Ghanaians, Mr. Ashiegbey said declaring a state of emergency is now critical if the government is truly committed to halting the environmental destruction.

He challenged the President to spell out the benchmark that would compel him to invoke emergency powers to deal with the galamsey crisis, which has reached unprecedented levels.

“Given the scale of devastation, the President should tell us his definition of success in the galamsey fight,” he stated. “What key performance indicators have been given to the various chief executives in galamsey-endemic areas, including police chiefs, to measure their performance in this fight?”

Mr. Ashiegbey also demanded transparency on the involvement of political actors in illegal mining. He questioned the status of investigations into alleged ruling party kingpins implicated in galamsey activities, particularly in light of recent revelations by the Attorney General that an opposition member is expected to be arraigned in court next Monday over galamsey-related offences.

The call by Mr. Ashiegbey adds to growing pressure on government to take decisive, non-partisan action to confront illegal mining, which continues to devastate Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and farmlands.

Galamsey fight: Mahama rules out state of emergency

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October 3, 2025

A galamsey-ravaged site at Amansie Central in the Ashanti Region, earmarked by Logeist for reclamation to its former state

Contrary to widespread expectations that government might escalate its response to the menace of illegal mining, President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that there will be no immediate declaration of a state of emergency in the fight against galamsey.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement on illegal mining in Accra, the President stressed that although the Constitution empowers him to declare a state of emergency, such a decision must be grounded in advice from the National Security Council (NSC). According to him, the Council currently believes that the ongoing battle against galamsey can be effectively prosecuted through existing legal, security, and institutional frameworks.

“Yes, I have the power to do it,” Mahama acknowledged. “But the president acts not only on his authority but also on the advice of the National Security Council. As of now, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without a state of emergency.”

He, however, emphasized that the option remains on the table should the Council determine otherwise. “The day they advise me that now we need a state of emergency, I will not hesitate in declaring it,” the President affirmed.

Mounting Pressure for Tougher Action

President Mahama’s comments come against the backdrop of renewed pressure from civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and faith-based groups, who have consistently called on government to adopt tougher measures to halt the rapid environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

Galamsey activities have devastated large swathes of arable land, contaminated rivers with mercury and other toxic substances, and destroyed vital forest ecosystems. Rivers such as the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim—once sources of clean drinking water and fishing livelihoods—have turned brown and heavily polluted, forcing the Ghana Water Company to shut down some treatment plants.

For many advocacy groups, the scale of destruction constitutes nothing less than a national security threat. They argue that degraded lands, poisoned rivers, and collapsing ecosystems are undermining food security, rural livelihoods, and the health of millions of Ghanaians.

Government’s Current Approach

While ruling out an emergency declaration for now, Mahama reiterated his administration’s full commitment to the galamsey fight. He explained that the government is prosecuting arrested illegal miners, both local and foreign, while inter-agency security operations continue to dismantle illegal mining networks across the country. In addition, efforts are underway to reclaim degraded lands and restore water bodies in affected mining communities. At the policy level, regulatory reforms are being introduced to strengthen the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission in their oversight roles, with the goal of ensuring more effective management of the country’s natural resources.

According to Mahama, these measures demonstrate that the government is determined not only to curb illegal mining but also to restore degraded lands and protect the rivers that sustain millions of livelihoods.

Balancing Caution with Urgency

The President’s cautious stance underscores the delicate balance between constitutional procedure and the urgent demand for environmental protection. On one hand, he must act within the advice of the National Security Council; on the other, the visible destruction caused by galamsey continues to fuel public frustration and calls for extraordinary measures.

Observers note that Mahama’s decision signals a preference for strengthening existing institutions and laws rather than bypassing them with emergency powers, but also leaves room for escalation if the situation worsens.

Stewardship at Stake

For many Ghanaians, the fight against galamsey has become a litmus test of the country’s environmental stewardship and political will. With Ghana committed to international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the REDD+ programme for forest conservation, campaigners argue that failure to decisively address illegal mining could undermine both domestic and global obligations.

“The rivers are dying, the forests are vanishing, and communities are suffering,” one civil society leader observed after the engagement. “If this is not an emergency, then what is? Whether through a state of emergency or not, government must show that it is serious about protecting Ghana’s natural heritage.”

Target Heavy Machinery, Not Emergency Measures — Retired Colonel Advises Government on Galamsey Fight

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October 3, 2025

A Retired Colonel of the Ghana Army and Executive Member of the Center for Democratic Development (CDD), Festus Aboagye has cautioned the government against rushing to declare a state of emergency in its fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to him, such a move at this stage would be premature and could expose the country to serious political, socio-economic, and security risks.

“The best general is one who wins a war without firing a shot,” he stated, urging the authorities to adopt a more strategic approach.

Col. Aboagye made the statement on behalf of CDD at the President meeting with CSOs in Accra on the way forward in combatting the galamseyer scourge.

Speaking on behalf of CDD, he argued that the “centre of gravity” of illegal mining operations lies in the use of heavy industrial machinery, which enables large-scale destruction of the environment.

He therefore called on government to direct its crackdown efforts towards dismantling and controlling the machinery used in galamsey activities.

“If we can do this, we will eliminate illegal mining,” he asserted.

His comments come amid growing calls from sections of the public for the government to declare a state of emergency in heavily affected mining areas.

The Catholic Bishop Conference which made a representation at the meeting also made this remark about galamsey fight.

“After listening to the presentations from the minister and NAIMOS, we do appreciate that there something is being done”..-

Over 200 Junior Doctors threaten nationwide strike

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October 3, 2025

Ghana faces a fresh health crisis as over 200 junior doctors threaten to withdraw services after working for more than a year without pay.

The Junior Doctors’ Association says members will stop outpatient services from October 7, extend to emergency cases by October 10, and blame government for “exploitation.”

The looming strike comes as nearly 72% of doctors plan to emigrate and half of Ghana-trained doctors are already abroad, compounding fears of a collapsing health workforce.

In a strongly-worded statement sighted by The Chronicle, the association accused government of neglect and unfair treatment, warning that its members are prepared to “down their stethoscopes” and withdraw services. It explained that, in addition to the unpaid salaries, some doctors who were already on government payroll have had their salaries stopped without explanation. The association further revealed that more than 800 medical officers have been awaiting posting for the past one year and four months.

According to the group, repeated engagements with authorities and demonstrations of goodwill towards government have yielded no solutions. As part of a series of measures to express their displeasure, JDA-GH announced that all outpatient services will be withdrawn from Tuesday, 7th October to Thursday, 9th October 2025. From Friday, 10th October 2025, emergency services will also be suspended until further notice. Inpatients will continue to be managed until discharge, but no new admissions will be allowed.

The association bemoaned what it described as the continued exploitation of junior doctors in Ghana, stressing that such treatment would no longer be tolerated. It insisted that the responsibility for any disruption in healthcare services rests squarely with the Ministry of Health and the Government of Ghana.

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Galamsey Is Going Down: No Need For State Of Emergency -Dormaahene

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October 3, 2025

Dormaahene Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II (Justice Daniel Mensah)

The Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Nana Agyemang Badu II, who also serves as Justice Daniel Mensah of the Appeals Court, has observed a reduction in the destructive effects of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Speaking to journalists at the Jubilee House, following his swearing-in, alongside 20 others as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Nana Agyemang Badu II praised recent efforts to clamp down on the practice.

“Galamsey, the illegal mining, did not start yesterday. It has been with us for some time. If you ask me about my assessment, I would say now, it is going down. You know why I’m saying that? If you look at some of the steps that have been taken… before, we were not hearing about the people in blue, the water guards and all that. We were not hearing all that.”
He recalled how, prior to President John Mahama’s administration, illegal miners could freely access protected lands.

“People have invaded the forest reserve. We’re not seeing that [anymore]. Before this regime came, I know for a fact, because of the work that I do, nine forest reserves had been taken over. Now, that situation has been kept down. I wouldn’t sit down here and say that galamsey is gone. It is still with us.”

Despite acknowledging improvements, the traditional leader called on his fellow chiefs to actively support the national effort to eliminate the menace.
“I want to encourage whoever is in charge, the Minister for Lands, Government and the people of Ghana, we should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud.

“Sometimes I’m not in Dormaa, but I want to assure the people that once you’re in that area, be sure that one day you’ll be caught. And you know the punishment? Minimum 15 years. You have to do that.”
He stressed that the environment remains the only inheritance passed on by Ghana’s forebears and must be protected.

“So I’m calling on all Ghanaians. This is the only thing that our ancestors left for us. We don’t have to destroy the water bodies. We don’t want to destroy our cocoa farms. We must ensure that we do farming in the right way so that we can all be happy as Ghanaians.”

No Need for State of Emergency
When asked by the media whether the situation warranted a state of emergency, the Dormaahene disagreed.

“No, no. It has not come to that. Let’s look at how much we gain in respect of mining. I mean, once you declare a state of emergency, the question is, who can do [the mining]? If we are not able to get that resource, there will be a gap. How is government going to [fill that gap]?”

He added: “As for mining, nobody argues that there shouldn’t be mining. But it has to be mined responsibly. That is the whole thing. People are doing that. I’m saying we are destroying ourselves.”
He urged traditional leaders not to shy away from enforcing environmental protection.
“We, the chiefs, should not say we don’t have the power. If somebody could do it in the tradition—not allowing people to mine, why can’t you do it?

“If you come to me, I will arrest you and give you to the police. I want to appeal to everybody, they should ensure that people do not engage in galamsey. If you do it and are arrested, it will not be good for all of us.”

Acknowledging Mahama’s Charge to Judges
Justice Agyemang Badu II also acknowledged the counsel offered by President John Dramani Mahama to the newly appointed judges of the Appeals Court.

“He was candid with us about the expectations that the Ghanaian people have made of us. I have been on this job for 28 and half years. So, having been on the bench, we know how we deal with cases.”
He affirmed the president’s call for speedy adjudication and access to justice for all. “He has trusted us to ensure that cases do not delay.

“We should ensure that justice is dispensed to all men and women, no matter their background. It’s a huge responsibility. But I want to assure the public that we dare not fail.”
“We will work together with the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana as by law established. Together, we will put in maximum effort to ensure that justice is dispensed.”

Rejects Claims of Court Packing
Responding to criticisms that the Jubilee House is “packing the courts” with friendly judges, Justice Agyemang Badu II dismissed the notion outright.
“I’m not too sure about what you have seen in the trend. I have to say, if I use my case as an example, for the first 13 years in my life, I moved two places as a High Court Judge.

“For 15 years, I have been at one place. So, to say somebody is packing the court… today, I was the High Court Judge representing the High Court on the Judicial Council.”
He emphasised the need for more judges across all levels of the judiciary to help clear backlogs.

“Each one of us, about 21, has our own competencies and strengths. If you look at the number of cases and the backlog, there is a need to ensure that judges come on board at all levels, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court.”
He also addressed perceptions of political favouritism in appointments: “Once you have the necessary competence and you have been there for some time and are elevated, to suggest that you have close relations with the head of state and that your appointment is a reward, it is not right. The President appoints on the advice of the Judicial Council.”

I Earned My Promotion
“I believe that if I was not competent, if I have not been there long, if I don’t have the competencies… out of 142 judges of the High Court, if I’m representing them as the senior most, it tells you something.

“If [President Mahama] has come to see that we have enough competence and he has appointed us, I don’t think people should look at it negatively. He was in office before 2016 and didn’t do it. If he is doing it now, it means this is the right time.”
Citing his track record, he said: “I’ve been a High Court judge since 2010—for 15 years. If I’m getting this recognition now, it’s good. I wish that criticism would not come, because that is custom.”

He concluded with a call for fairness from the media: “Let me be blunt. I want people to go and check 2007, 2011, 2017, 2020, 2021before I joined in.

“All these things are verifiable. Judiciary is different. And the Chief Justice is different. I have been on this path for almost 26 and half years.”

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Nkaseim Chiefs Grateful To Mahama, Et Al For Granting Community Mining Request

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October 3, 2025

Nkeseim chief and his elders pose with the government team

The Chief and people of Nkaseim in the Asutifi South District have commended President John Mahama, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Newmont Gold Limited for their joint efforts in granting the community its long-awaited cooperative mining request, which is expected to create over 5,000 jobs.

According to residents and traditional leaders, the project, when officially launched, will not only provide sustainable employment for the teeming youth and boost the local economy, but will also help mitigate illegal mining activities and foster peaceful coexistence between the community and Newmont.

At a community engagement in honour of visiting officials from the newly established Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) and the Minerals Commission, traditional leaders expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.

Led by the Nkasiemhene, Nana Danso Agyei Ababio II, the chiefs praised the administration’s timely intervention and ongoing negotiations with Newmont to cede part of its concession for the community-led initiative.

“I thank His Excellency [President Mahama] that when we petitioned, they did not turn a blind eye.

“We look up to the government to ensure our youth can mine in peace and earn a decent living without fear,” Nana Ababio II stated.

20-Years of Struggle

On his part, the Sompahene of Nkaseim, Nana Yaw Sarpong, expressed profound joy, recalling the community’s nearly 20-year struggle to obtain legal authorisation to mine on their ancestral lands.

“This did not start today. It began back in 2007. We tried everything to get the license so we could survive, but we never succeeded.

“People are working in the area, but when they hear officials are coming, they run into the bush. Why? Because technically, we are trespassing on someone else’s land,” he lamented.

He added, “We’ve gone through multiple administrations without success. But when President Mahama came to power within three months he and Minister Kofi Armah-Buah came together to support us. Today, a delegation from Accra has come to verify our claims and engage us on the way forward. We are hopeful that when they report back, a lasting solution will be found.”

The government delegation was led by George Dadzie Jnr, Deputy National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, in charge of operations.

The team engaged the Nkaseim Traditional Council and the broader community to discuss progress as final talks with Newmont continue.

The community has long appealed for the designation of a concession at Nkaseim-Mempehia, currently within Newmont’s operational area for a formal community mining scheme.

For decades, residents have been working the land without legal authorisation.

Efforts by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to finalize the arrangement fell through, leaving the project in limbo.

However, the current administration has revived the conversation through rCOMSDEP, leading to positive developments.

The delegation toured the proposed mining site to gather firsthand insights and assess progress on the ground.

The traditional leaders expressed deep gratitude to President Mahama, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah, and the entire government for their proactive steps to make the community mining initiative a reality.

Other dignitaries present at the engagement included Nana Boafo Armah, District Officer of the Minerals Commission at Kenyasi, Yaw Okyere, Council of State representative for the Ahafo Region, the Association of Nkaseim Youth and several opinion leaders from the traditional area.

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KGL Foundation Soccer Tournament Unearths Juvenile Talents

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October 3, 2025

KGL Foundation proudly announced its continuous support for juvenile football by championing the just ended U-17 Football Tournament, aimed at nurturing young talent and promoting sportsmanship among the youth in Ghana. This significant initiative reflects the KGL Foundation’s commitment to empowering the next generation through sports, education, and community engagement.

Launched in 2021 and now in its fifth edition, the KGL U-17 inter-regional championship has firmly established itself as Ghana’s premier platform for identifying and nurturing emerging football talent. The nine-day tournament showcased some of Ghana’s best young football talent, with the finale held on September 27, 2025 at the McDan Teshie Sports Complex, marking the culmination of an inspiring tournament, reinforcing the Foundation’s dedication to nurturing future sports stars.

Greater Accra’s prodigy Jeremiah Abalo emerged the Overall Best Player, and although the midfielder’s team missed out on the trophy, his exceptional performances throughout the championship was duly recognised, earning him the top award. Throughout the tournament, Jeremiah Abalo starred with his displays, exciting supporters with his skill and vision at both the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence and the McDan Teshie Sports Complex.

His outstanding performances inspired Greater Accra to a commendable fourth-place finish as the side finished behind bronze medallists Central Region, dethroned champions Western Region, and the Ashanti Region team that eventually finished as champions.

The 2025 KGL U-17 Inter-Regional Championship came to an end last Saturday, with Ashanti Region crowned champions for the second time following a 2-1 victory over defending champions Western Region in a thrilling finale.

Among the individual award winners, Western Region’s Frank Abu claimed the Best Goalkeeper Award after a series of commanding displays that not only helped his team reach the final to secure the silver medal but also caught the eye of many who followed the tournament.

Ashanti Region’s attackers Agyei Duah and Alidu Issah shared the Top Scorer honours, after each scored seven goals to lead their team to clinch the trophy. Their teammate, Kelvin Baffoe, was also named Most Promising Player, underlining Ashanti’s dominance in both team and individual awards.

The 2025 edition saw an expansion, featuring 12 teams that included all ten Regional Football Associations, along with the two GFA Elite Academies. This ensured a full nationwide representation and intense competition that provided a platform for top talents.

The tournament, which is backed by a five-year, $1 million partnership with the KGL Foundation, continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Ghana Football Association’s grassroots development strategy.

Highlighting his commitment to youth development, the CEO of the KGL Foundation, Elliot Dadey underscored the foundation’s commitment to the U-17 football tournament. “At KGL Foundation, we are deeply committed to empowering our youth through sports. This tournament was not only about competition but also about fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership among young athletes,” Elliot Dadey reiterated.

Established as the corporate social responsibility arm of the KGL Group, the Foundation was created not just to give back, but to reimagine what social responsibility looks like in the Ghanaian landscape. It was a response to a deeper calling: that true transformation doesn’t come from the outside— it begins from within.

Elliot Dadey, CEO of the KGL Foundation, aptly puts it: “Our approach is simple, yet deeply intentional: we go into communities, we listen, we learn, and we co-create. We engage not as distant donors, but as equal partners—collaborating with those who live the realities we seek to improve. Together, we design solutions that are rooted in local context, cultural relevance, and shared ownership.”

With a strong focus on innovation, connection, and people empowerment, the Foundation operates across five key thematic areas in sports, arts and culture, youth empowerment, health and education, where their interventions are making a lasting difference.

The KGL Foundation has been the title sponsor for the Millennium Marathon for three years. This arrangement does not imply ownership, and no corporate contributions from other sponsors have been directed to our accounts.

The KGL Group values its partnership with the NLA and remains committed to supporting its initiatives, including ongoing contributions to the Good Causes Foundation. Our key contributions include:

⁠GH₵6,000,000.00 paid to the NLA Good Causes Foundation (2021-2024).
⁠GH₵9,000,000.00 paid to the NLA Stabilization Fund (2022-2024).
⁠Over GH₵6 million spent on NLA Live Draws and Brennan Hall rehabilitation.
⁠Over GH₵7 million in sponsorships for the NLA’s conferences and staff welfare.

In alignment with Section 2(3) of the National Lotto Act, 2000 (Act 722), the KGL Foundation has committed millions towards:

⁠Constructing a new Mental Health Facility in Kumasi.
⁠Developing infrastructure for the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.
⁠Supporting national health institutions with donations.
⁠Providing aid for Keta flood victims.

Mahama Targets Sweeping Judicial Reforms

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October 3, 2025