Mahama Reports Progress in Anti-Galamsey Fight as Water Bodies Show Signs of Recovery

President John Mahama has announced that Ghana's battle against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is yielding encouraging results, with previously heavily polluted rivers beginning to clear up after months of intensified enforcement operations.

Speaking on January 6, 2026, at the University of Ghana's 77th Annual New Year School, Mahama cited visible improvements in water quality as evidence that sustained efforts by government agencies and community actors are starting to pay off, despite significant challenges and sometimes violent resistance from affected communities.

The president shared a personal observation from a recent visit to Crown Forest to illustrate the progress being made in restoring Ghana's degraded water bodies.

"When you go to where they have the animals, you cross a stream. And before we cross the bridge, I asked them, which river is this? They said it was the Ayensu River," Mahama recounted.

"And they said, if you had come here six months ago, this water was the colour of coffee. They say now is the colour of light milo. And so it's getting better," the president stated, using the popular beverage brands as descriptive references for the water's changing color—from dark brown to lighter brown, indicating reduced sediment and pollution.

He attributed the improvement to sustained upstream operations by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and river guards who moved in to stop illegal mining activities along the river's source areas.

Mahama acknowledged that the fight against galamsey has been exceptionally challenging, with enforcement teams sometimes facing violent opposition from communities economically dependent on illegal mining.

"It has so entered the fabric of our people that it's not been an easy fight," the president noted, referring to how deeply embedded illegal mining has become in some communities' economic and social structures.

"Communities have attacked task forces when they go to enforce the ban on illegal mining," he revealed, highlighting the dangerous conditions under which enforcement officers operate.

This resistance reflects the economic reality facing many rural communities where illegal mining has become a primary source of livelihood, making enforcement politically and socially complex beyond just legal considerations.

Despite the difficulties, President Mahama commended multiple institutions for their commitment to tackling the environmental crisis, specifically recognizing the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, NAIMOS, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other stakeholders.

"There are some positive results beginning to show. I want to encourage the task force, the Minister, the EPA, and all those involved in the fight against illegal mining, please don't give up," the president urged.

His call for persistence suggests recognition that the battle is far from won and that sustained pressure will be necessary to achieve lasting results.

Mahama indicated that enforcement operations are being complemented by comprehensive environmental and climate-focused policies designed to address the root causes of environmental degradation.

"We're implementing sustainable mining practices, protecting forests and water bodies, investing in renewable energy, and strengthening climate adaptation for vulnerable communities," the president stated.

This multi-pronged approach acknowledges that enforcement alone cannot solve the galamsey crisis without addressing the economic drivers that push communities toward illegal mining and without providing sustainable alternatives.

The emphasis on "sustainable mining practices" suggests the government recognizes that mining itself isn't the problem—illegal, unregulated mining that destroys water bodies and forests is the issue that must be tackled.

Galamsey has plagued Ghana for decades, with the problem intensifying significantly in recent years. The practice involves small-scale, often illegal gold mining operations that use harmful chemicals like mercury and destroy river beds, forests, and agricultural land.

The environmental damage has been catastrophic. Multiple rivers that once provided drinking water and supported agriculture have been rendered unusable due to heavy metal contamination and sediment pollution. The Pra, Offin, Birim, and Ankobra rivers have all been severely affected.

Previous administrations have launched anti-galamsey campaigns with varying degrees of success. The challenge has always been balancing environmental protection with the economic needs of communities where mining provides crucial income.

The galamsey fight carries significant political risks for any government. Many illegal mining operations reportedly have political protection, with some observers alleging that politicians across party lines benefit from the lucrative trade.

Community resistance to enforcement operations often reflects not just economic concerns but also political mobilization, with local power brokers sometimes organizing opposition to protect their interests.

Mahama's public acknowledgment of violent attacks on task forces is notable, as it highlights the personal danger enforcement officers face—a reality that can deter consistent enforcement if not addressed.

Beyond the visible water pollution, galamsey creates lasting environmental and public health crises. Mercury used in gold extraction contaminates water sources, accumulating in fish and entering the food chain, causing neurological damage particularly harmful to children.

Deforestation from mining operations contributes to climate change, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Agricultural productivity declines when farmland is destroyed or when farmers lack access to clean water for irrigation.

The Ghana Water Company has repeatedly struggled to treat heavily polluted raw water from rivers affected by galamsey, sometimes forcing water rationing in major cities when treatment costs become prohibitive.

For international observers and development partners, Ghana's galamsey crisis represents broader challenges facing resource-rich developing nations attempting to balance economic development, environmental protection, and social stability.

The issue connects to global concerns about artisanal and small-scale mining practices, mercury pollution, and the informal economy's role in developing countries.

Ghana's experience offers lessons for other African nations grappling with similar illegal mining challenges, including countries in West Africa's gold-producing regions and beyond.

International gold markets also play a role, as global demand for gold creates economic incentives that fuel illegal mining regardless of local enforcement efforts.

Environmental advocacy groups have long demanded stronger action against galamsey, arguing that previous efforts have been inconsistent and politically compromised.

Some experts caution that while enforcement is necessary, sustainable solutions require providing alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on illegal mining—an economically and politically complex undertaking.

The involvement of "river guards"—community-based monitors—represents a potentially important innovation, giving local stakeholders ownership of environmental protection efforts rather than relying solely on external enforcement.

The president's call for renewed resolve suggests the government intends to maintain and potentially intensify anti-galamsey operations in coming months.

However, several questions remain about the sustainability of current efforts:

• Will enforcement continue consistently, or will it fade as political pressures mount?

• Are alternative livelihood programs being developed fast enough to replace illegal mining income?

• Can the government address the alleged political protection that allows some operations to continue?

• Will improved water quality in some rivers be maintained, or will operations resume once enforcement pressure eases?

The gradual recovery of rivers like the Ayensu offers hope that environmental restoration is possible with sustained effort. However, Ghana's history of cyclical anti-galamsey campaigns followed by resurgence of illegal mining creates understandable skepticism about whether this time will be different.

For Mahama's administration, the visible improvement in water bodies provides political capital and justification for continuing what remains a difficult and sometimes dangerous campaign. The challenge will be maintaining momentum and expanding success to other affected regions while addressing the underlying economic drivers that make galamsey attractive to many Ghanaians.

The ultimate measure of success won't be temporary improvements during intensive enforcement periods, but whether Ghana can achieve lasting protection of its water bodies and forests while providing sustainable economic opportunities for affected communities.