Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has rejected claims that illegal mining (galamsey) has worsened since President John Dramani Mahama took office.

According to him, such assertions need to be backed by solid data, not conjecture.

Speaking during an interview on Joy FM on Monday, September 15, 2025, Kwakye Ofosu said the administration remains dedicated to combating galamsey, and warned that without empirical evidence, accusations only muddy public debate.

“Those who say galamsey has worsened under President Mahama must prove it with empirical evidence. We cannot allow perceptions or political point-scoring to overshadow facts,” he said.

President Mahama never set timeline to end galamsey - Kwakye Ofosu

He revealed that over 1,000 people have already been arrested for illegal mining and that plans are underway to establish special courts to ensure the swift prosecution of offenders.

He acknowledged widespread concern among citizens over the environmental harm caused by galamsey, including damage to water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems, and affirmed that these are issues the administration takes seriously.

"Government fully appreciates the genuine concerns people have expressed on galamsey, and these are not matters we take lightly,” he said.

Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that fighting illegal mining is not a simple task and requires collective effort.

"We cannot pretend it is an easy fight, but what we can assure Ghanaians is that the government has not lost sight of its duty to protect lives, livelihoods, and the environment,” he noted.

He called on the public to support government interventions and resist political interference, stressing that protecting the environment and livelihoods is a shared responsibility.

NAD/BAI

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