Prof. Gyampo Urges Unity Behind Mahama's Anti-Galamsey Efforts Despite Calls for Emergency Measures

 October 1, 2025

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has called on Ghanaians to rally behind President John Mahama's anti-illegal mining initiatives, even as he maintains his position that a state of emergency may ultimately be necessary to combat the galamsey menace.

Balanced Approach to Fighting Illegal Mining

Speaking to Citi News on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Prof. Gyampo acknowledged the government's ongoing interventions as appropriate, though he cautioned they may not be sufficient to fully address the persistent problem of illegal mining that continues to devastate Ghana's water bodies and forest reserves.

"These initiatives may not be enough. Galamsey is still going on. People, including myself, are still calling for radical interventions. I still stand by my call for a state of emergency," Prof. Gyampo stated.

However, he recognized the wisdom in the President's graduated approach to the crisis. "There is also wisdom in what the President is saying, which is giving him time to implement these interventions, and if they fail, he will resort to a state of emergency as a last option. So, I think we must all be seen to be supporting the fight against galamsey," he added.

Controversial Mining Law to Be Repealed

In a significant development, Prof. Gyampo revealed that Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which has been widely criticized for permitting mining activities in forest reserves, will be revoked when Parliament reconvenes. The announcement marks a victory for environmental activists and concerned citizens who have long campaigned against the legislation.

The GSA boss praised President Mahama's responsiveness to public concerns, citing this decision as evidence of the administration's willingness to listen to Ghanaians.

"I am happy that the President listens. In the lead-up to the elections in 2024, he promised that the law that encourages people to enter the forest to mine would be repealed. When they came to power, they said they could only take away the bad provisions," Prof. Gyampo explained.

From Partial Reform to Complete Repeal

Initially, the government had proposed removing only problematic provisions from L.I. 2462 rather than repealing it entirely. However, sustained public pressure and advocacy from civil society groups and concerned citizens prompted a policy reversal.

"But we all said no, the repeal was a promise, so they should repeal it completely. After mounting pressure, today we are told that when Parliament resumes, the law will be repealed. That shows that the President listens," Prof. Gyampo noted with satisfaction.

The Ongoing Galamsey Crisis

Illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has emerged as one of Ghana's most pressing environmental challenges. The practice has led to widespread contamination of major water bodies, including the Pra, Offin, and Ankobra rivers, threatening water security for millions of Ghanaians.

The destruction of forest reserves through unregulated mining activities has also raised concerns about biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and the long-term sustainability of Ghana's natural resources.

Call for Collective Action

Prof. Gyampo's comments underscore the complexity of addressing the galamsey crisis, which requires balancing immediate enforcement actions with sustainable, long-term solutions. His call for collective support suggests that tackling illegal mining will require cooperation across government, civil society, traditional authorities, and local communities.

While the debate over whether a state of emergency is necessary continues, the forthcoming repeal of L.I. 2462 signals the government's commitment to strengthening the legal framework against activities that facilitate illegal mining in protected areas.

The success of President Mahama's anti-galamsey measures will likely depend on effective implementation, sustained political will, and continued public engagement in monitoring and reporting illegal mining activities across the country.