[REVISION HISTORY]

Ghana illegal mining enforcement challenges

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-13 05:21 UTC → 2026-10-02 02:39 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Efforts to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey, in Ghana have faced scrutiny and a perceived loss of momentum following a fatal military helicopter crash in August 2025. The crash, which killed eight officials including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, initially generated national momentum for environmental protection. On the first anniversary of the crash in August 2026, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) urged the government to provide measurable data regarding river health, forest reserves, and land reclamation to honor the victims. Kenneth Ashigbey, Executive Director of the Chamber of Mines, criticized enforcement, noting that illegal operations remain visible in areas such as Apedwa, along the Bunso-Anyinam road, and around Lake Bosomtwe. He questioned why identified offenders have not been arrested. Environmental advocacy group A-Rocha Ghana has described the situation as “hopeless,” with Deputy National Director Daryl Bosu stating that the progress expected after the tragedy has dissipated and leadership has faltered. In response, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has defended its performance, with Communications Director Zambaga Rufai Saminu rating the government’s efforts an 8 out of 10. The ministry highlighted the work of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in conducting intelligence-led operations and the role of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in monitoring reclaimed lands. Ministry spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf cautioned that declaring a state of emergency is not a “magic wand,” emphasizing that effectiveness depends on practical measures and economic considerations. Debate has since intensified, with Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, asserting that the crisis is “actually worse than before” and that government actions create an impression of seriousness without real progress. To address recurring violations, Akwatia MP Bernard Bediako Baidoo has By late September 2026, stakeholders called for a strategic shift. Schandorf, representing the ~~permanent deployment of NAIMOS officers at hotspots~~ National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), urged politicians to end partisan finger-pointing between the NPP and NDC to prevent ~~miners from returning after enforcement teams depart.~~ stalling progress. Economic analyst Senyo Hosi argued that current enforcement-led raids are not “winnable” because illegal mining remains highly lucrative, paying workers up to GHS10,000 a week. He suggested making responsible small-scale mining more financially attractive to ensure long-term success. Concurrently, A-Rocha Ghana’s Deputy Executive Director Daryl Bossu criticized the state for treating the issue with “kid gloves.”

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