Ghana Faces Mounting Crisis Over Illegal Mining as Pressure Builds on Mahama Government

Ghana is grappling with a worsening crisis of illegal mining, known locally as 'galamsey,' which is causing severe environmental destruction and sparking national outrage. The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and other civil society groups have threatened strikes and called for a state of emergency, demanding urgent government action. The Minority in Parliament and various stakeholders accuse the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Mahama of hypocrisy, ineffective policies, and shielding party members involved in galamsey. Calls for tougher laws, special courts, and the prosecution of financiers and political actors are growing louder. Despite government assurances of political will and recent arrests, critics argue that little has changed and the menace continues to threaten Ghana’s environment and future.