The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has accused the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration of targeting individuals who campaigned against illegal mining (galamsey) instead of addressing the growing menace.
He alleged that the fight against illegal mining was misdirected under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, claiming that people who spoke against the destruction of the country’s natural resources became victims of government actions.
According to Mr Gyamfi, the former administration failed to demonstrate a genuine commitment to tackling illegal mining, particularly in 2024, when the activities of illegal miners remained a major national concern.
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“In 2024, there was no fight against illegal mining in Ghana under President Akufo-Addo. The fight was rather against those fighting illegal mining. Some were arrested and put into prison cells,” he said.
He made the comments during an interview on UTV Ghana on Friday, October 30, 2026, where he criticised the former government’s handling of galamsey and contrasted its record with that of the current administration.
Mr Gyamfi argued that the treatment of individuals who spoke out against illegal mining raised questions about the previous government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s environment.
He defended President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, insisting that the current government has demonstrated a stronger resolve to confront illegal mining and safeguard the country’s natural resources.
Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s major environmental challenges, with its activities associated with the destruction of forest reserves, pollution of water bodies, and degradation of agricultural lands.
The controversy over the effectiveness of successive governments’ efforts to combat galamsey has continued to generate political debate, particularly over the enforcement of mining regulations and the protection of environmentally sensitive areas.