Mahama: Galamsey Fight Tough (Admits Deep Rot, Pledges More Support for Task Force)
President John Dramani Mahama has said that illegal mining, also known as galamsey, is a big problem in Ghana. It involves traditional leaders, politicians, and other important people, which makes the fight against it hard and complicated. He said at the Jubilee House that operators often switch sides between political parties, which keeps the practice going. He also said that even members of his own side may be involved. He said that the work of the anti-illegal mining task force is hard and often meets resistance from communities, but it must go on even if it doesn’t show results right away. The President also said that the rise in galamsey is related to problems in the cocoa industry. Some farmers have turned to mining because cocoa prices are so low. He hopes that a new pricing system that gives farmers about 70% of global prices will help turn the trend around. He also talked about logistical problems, like not having enough patrol equipment for waterways. He said the government is working with important ministries to get the resources needed to make the fight stronger.
