President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over the increasing involvement of young people, including senior high school students, in illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, stressing that law enforcement alone cannot eliminate the menace.
The President said his administration was adopting a two-pronged approach to combat illegal mining in Ghana, combining strict law enforcement with alternative livelihood opportunities to discourage young people from engaging in the destructive practice. He identified the proposed $10 billion New Economy Policy as a major component of efforts to create jobs and provide sustainable income opportunities for the youth.
President Mahama made the remarks when he received a delegation from the Western North Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday afternoon. The delegation was led by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the Western North Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area.
The chiefs were welcomed by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, while Western North Regional Minister Wilbert Petty Brentum introduced the delegation to the President and acknowledged the traditional rulers’ contribution to regional development.
Mahama Worried About SHS Students Involved in Galamsey
President Mahama expressed sadness over reports that senior high school students were abandoning their education or engaging in illegal mining activities because of financial difficulties.
He explained that some students caught at illegal mining sites had indicated that they entered the business because their parents could not afford to provide them with money to attend school.
The President described the situation as a serious social and economic challenge that requires urgent attention, adding that the government must address the underlying causes of youth involvement in galamsey.
He disclosed that authorities had arrested several individuals involved in illegal mining, with hundreds reportedly awaiting trial and others on bail pending the determination of their cases.
Although the government remains committed to enforcing the law, President Mahama said it was unfortunate that young people could face imprisonment when economic hardship and the lack of employment opportunities had contributed to their involvement in illegal mining.
He stressed that providing alternative livelihoods, vocational training, employment opportunities and sustainable income sources was essential to preventing young people from turning to galamsey.
Government Seeks Chiefs’ Support to Fight Illegal Mining
The President called on traditional authorities in the Western North Region to support the government’s campaign against illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves and areas surrounding rivers and other water bodies.
He noted that chiefs and community leaders were well positioned to influence local attitudes and encourage residents to support efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
President Mahama acknowledged the work of the National Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Illegal Mining but expressed concern about resistance from some community members and traditional authorities during enforcement operations.
He also referred to incidents involving security personnel and illegal miners that had resulted in fatalities, saying the government wanted to prevent further loss of life.
The President urged chiefs to work closely with government agencies and security personnel to ensure that illegal mining operations were addressed peacefully and effectively.
GH¢400 Million Allocated for Blue Water Guards
As part of measures to strengthen the fight against galamsey, President Mahama disclosed that the Finance Minister had allocated an additional GH¢400 million in the next budget to recruit more Blue Water Guards.
The guards are expected to intensify patrols on rivers and other water bodies affected by illegal mining activities.
According to the President, the guards have been instructed to destroy changfang machines, which are commonly used in illegal mining operations, whenever they encounter them during their duties.
The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to protect Ghana’s rivers, restore degraded forest reserves and reduce the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.
IMF Projects Ghana’s Economic Growth at 5.7%
Beyond the galamsey crisis, President Mahama provided an update on Ghana’s economic performance and the government’s development agenda.
He said his administration assumed office on January 7, 2025, amid significant economic difficulties stemming from the country’s debt default and the economic crisis that began in 2022.
The President explained that difficult economic measures had been necessary to stabilise the economy, adding that the government’s efforts were beginning to produce positive results.
He cited the International Monetary Fund’s projected 5.7 per cent economic growth rate for Ghana, comparing it with the approximately four per cent average forecast for sub-Saharan Africa.
President Mahama said Ghana’s economy had grown by approximately six per cent in the previous year and expressed optimism that growth could have exceeded seven per cent without geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Israel and the resulting increase in petroleum product costs.
He expressed hope that international tensions would ease, allowing Ghana’s economic recovery to continue and creating further opportunities for businesses, investors and job seekers.
Big Push Infrastructure Programme Creates Thousands of Jobs
The President highlighted the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme as a major driver of employment, particularly in the construction sector.
He said investment in roads, buildings and other public infrastructure was creating job opportunities for civil engineers, excavator operators, masons, steel benders and other skilled workers.
President Mahama recounted an example of an experienced excavator operator who had stopped reporting to work because he had secured a new job, describing it as an indication of growing employment opportunities in the sector.
He added that young engineering graduates and construction workers were increasingly finding employment on road and building projects.
According to the President, the construction industry had generated hundreds of thousands of jobs through the Big Push programme and increased government spending on infrastructure development.
The initiative is intended to improve Ghana’s road network, strengthen public infrastructure and stimulate economic activity while creating employment opportunities for young people.
Textile Factory Employs 2,300 Workers
President Mahama also highlighted private-sector investment and manufacturing as important contributors to Ghana’s economic growth and job creation.
He cited a textile manufacturing company in northern Ghana established by a Ghanaian entrepreneur with assistance from the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Ghana EXIM Bank).
The factory produces T-shirts, polo shirts and other garments for export to markets in the United States and Europe.
According to the President, the company employs approximately 2,300 workers, with women accounting for 80 per cent of its workforce. The facility operates around the clock using a shift system.
He also mentioned Nestlé and Kasapreko as examples of companies that had expanded their production lines and introduced 24-hour operations.
The President said such investments demonstrate the potential of manufacturing, export-oriented businesses and industrial expansion to create jobs, empower women and strengthen Ghana’s private sector.
Western North Roads to Benefit From Big Push Programme
President Mahama assured the Western North Regional House of Chiefs that several road projects in the region had been incorporated into the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme.
He explained that the Enchi-Elubo and Dadieso-Akontombra roads had been placed under the programme following difficulties encountered under the Cocoa Roads initiative.
The President added that Phase Two of the Big Push programme would cover additional roads, while a separate feeder roads initiative would improve access to communities across the region.
The proposed feeder road projects include:
- Fosukrom Junction to Fosukrom.
- Aferoa Junction to Kofibrafo.
- Fuuta Junction to Fuuta.
- Aboboya Junction to Aboboya.
President Mahama assured the traditional rulers that contractors were expected to move to the project sites by the beginning of 2027.
The road projects are expected to improve transportation, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, support local businesses and enhance connectivity between communities in the Western North Region.
Western North Regional Hospital Project Advances
The President further disclosed that procurement processes for the Western North Regional Hospital had been completed and the project site handed over to the contractor.
The hospital is among the key infrastructure projects expected to improve access to healthcare services in the region.
He also announced plans for the region to benefit from an airstrip, a regional stadium and increased participation of traditional rulers in local governance.
President Mahama reiterated that the government views the chieftaincy institution as an important development partner and said chiefs would have representatives on district assemblies.
He explained that involving traditional authorities in local governance would strengthen community participation, improve coordination and ensure that development initiatives reflect the needs of local residents.
Western North Chiefs Commend Mahama’s Development Agenda
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II commended President Mahama for recognising the importance of traditional authorities in national development.
He said the chiefs had visited the Jubilee House not only as custodians of Ghana’s culture, heritage and traditions but also as partners committed to promoting peace and development.
Ogyeahoho Gyebi emphasised that cooperation between the government and traditional institutions remained essential to maintaining stability and advancing development across the country.
He also praised President Mahama for Ghana’s leadership at the United Nations, particularly the March 2026 resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
According to the traditional ruler, the resolution strengthened Ghana’s international standing and reinforced the country’s leadership role as the Black Star of Africa.
The chiefs further acknowledged improvements in economic stability and ongoing infrastructure projects, including road construction and initiatives supported by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
However, they expressed concern about persistent youth unemployment and encouraged the government to implement the 24-Hour Economy policy comprehensively to expand job opportunities.
New Economy Policy and Youth Employment Remain Key Priorities
The meeting highlighted the connection between illegal mining, youth unemployment, education financing and the need for sustainable economic opportunities in Ghana.
President Mahama’s emphasis on alternative livelihoods suggests that the government’s approach to fighting galamsey will extend beyond arrests and prosecutions to include job creation, industrial development and skills training.
The proposed New Economy Policy, the Big Push infrastructure programme and efforts to expand manufacturing are expected to play important roles in the administration’s wider development agenda.
For communities affected by illegal mining, the availability of reliable employment and income-generating opportunities will remain crucial to reducing dependence on galamsey and protecting Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
The President’s appeal to traditional authorities also underscores the importance of community participation in addressing illegal mining, promoting environmental protection and supporting sustainable development.
Source: newsthemegh.com