Akufo-Addo government fought anti-galamsey campaigners, not illegal mining – Sammy Gyamfi

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has criticised the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration over its handling of illegal mining, accusing it of targeting individuals who spoke out against galamsey instead of confronting the practice.

Mr Gyamfi argued that the fight against illegal mining was misdirected under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, claiming that some people who campaigned against the destruction of the environment were arrested and imprisoned.

“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 remarks during an interview on UTV Ghana on Friday, October 30, 2026, where he assessed the previous administration’s record on illegal mining and outlined what he described as a different approach under the current government.

The GoldBod CEO contrasted the former government's approach with that of President John Dramani Mahama, arguing that the current administration had demonstrated a stronger commitment to tackling illegal mining and protecting Ghana's natural resources.

According to Mr Gyamfi, the previous administration failed to direct sufficient attention towards confronting the galamsey menace, while individuals who publicly opposed the practice faced actions that, in his view, undermined the campaign against illegal mining.

His comments form part of the continuing political debate over successive governments' efforts to address illegal mining, which has contributed to environmental degradation and concerns about the pollution of water bodies and destruction of forest reserves.

Illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, remains a significant environmental and governance challenge in Ghana.

The practice has drawn criticism from environmental groups, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and sections of the public because of its impact on rivers, forests and farming communities.

Mr Gyamfi's remarks have renewed attention on the record of the previous administration and the measures being pursued by the Mahama government to address the problem.