President John Dramani Mahama is hosting a pivotal meeting today with leading civil society organisations (CSOs) and religious institutions to intensify the national response to illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The high-level engagement brings together influential groups including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ghana, Christian Council of Ghana, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Office of the Chief Imam, Ghana Muslim Mission, Arocha Ghana, and IMANI Ghana, among others.
According to Presidential Aide Dr. Sammy Ayeh, the meeting aims to foster collaboration and gather actionable insights from stakeholders to reinforce government efforts.
“The fight against galamsey is a shared responsibility,” Dr. Ayeh stated, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue.
The government has already undertaken significant reforms, including operational crackdowns and legislative reviews. Notably, steps have been initiated to repeal LI 2462, a regulation that has sparked controversy within mining communities.
Dr. Ayeh noted that while progress has been made, broader cooperation with faith-based and civic organisations is essential to achieving lasting impact.
“This meeting is an opportunity to receive feedback and strategies that can complement existing measures,” he said.
Public reaction to the initiative has been mixed. Some observers welcome the move as a proactive step, while others caution against symbolic gestures that lack follow-through. Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II described the meeting as “a step in the right direction.”
As the nation grapples with the environmental and social toll of galamsey, today’s dialogue could mark a turning point in forging a unified front against the menace.
