By Ghana’s battle against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has taken a decisive turn as Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno announced a major reshuffle of police commanders in some of the country’s most affected regions. The move, which targets key galamsey hotspots in the Eastern South, Western, and Western North regions, signals a renewed commitment to curbing the environmental devastation caused by unlicensed mining activities.
The reshuffle comes on the heels of a four-day intelligence-led operation that began on April 17 in the Samreboi enclave of the Western Region. This operation, focused on illegal mining along the Tano River and in the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests, has already yielded significant results, with 47 individuals arrested for their involvement in galamsey. The Ghana Police Service’s intensified efforts are part of a broader national strategy to address a crisis that has plagued the country for decades, threatening its forests, rivers, and farmlands.
Galamsey, a term derived from the phrase “gather-to-sell,” refers to small-scale mining operations that often operate outside the law. While artisanal mining has long been a source of livelihood for many Ghanaians, its illegal forms have caused irreparable harm. Rivers like the Pra and Ankobra have become heavily polluted, with the Ghana Water Company warning of potential water scarcity by 2030 if the situation isn’t addressed. The environmental toll has also led to health challenges, with communities reporting a rise in chronic diseases linked to contaminated water sources.
IGP Yohuno’s actions align with President John Mahama’s recent pledges to tackle galamsey head-on. Since taking office, Mahama has promised to ban illegal mining in forest reserves and introduce alternative livelihoods for those dependent on galamsey, such as cooperative mining schemes. His administration’s focus on environmental restoration, through initiatives like the ‘Tree for Life’ and ‘Blue Water Initiative,’ has sparked hope among Ghanaians who have long awaited decisive action. The hashtag #AbanPapaAba, meaning “good government” in Twi, has gained traction on social media, reflecting public support for these reforms.
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Galamsey is not just an environmental issue—it’s a deeply entrenched socio-economic problem. Many communities rely on illegal mining for their survival, and past efforts to curb it, such as the 2006 Minerals and Mining Act and the deportation of 4,500 Chinese miners in 2013, have met with limited success. Moreover, the involvement of foreign nationals, including those from China and neighboring West African countries, has complicated enforcement efforts. A recent attack on the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team in the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve underscores the dangers faced by authorities in confronting armed illegal miners.
For IGP Yohuno’s reshuffle to make a lasting impact, it must be accompanied by sustained action and community engagement. The appointment of new commanders in galamsey-prone areas is a step in the right direction, but it will require more than arrests to address the root causes of illegal mining. Providing viable alternatives for miners, cracking down on the supply chains that fuel galamsey, and ensuring accountability at all levels of governance will be critical to success.
As Ghana grapples with this crisis, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The country’s natural resources, from its cocoa farms to its water bodies, are under threat, and the clock is ticking. IGP Yohuno’s bold move has set the stage for what could be a turning point in the fight against galamsey—but only if the momentum is maintained. For now, Ghanaians are watching closely, hopeful that this latest effort will finally bring about the change they’ve been waiting for.
