Lecturer questions effectiveness of government’s galamsey fight
Ishaq Ibrahim, a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised doubts about the effectiveness of the government’s current strategies to tackle illegal mining, widely known as galamsey. He called on all stakeholders to put aside political differences and collaborate on a sustainable solution.
His remarks follow the government’s recent repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which previously gave the President the power to authorize mining activities within forest reserves.
The Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2025, became law on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, after being presented to Parliament by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Mr. Ibrahim emphasized, “We need to put the politics aside and together we will solve it.”
He stressed that merely revoking L.I. 2462 is not enough, citing examples from countries like Brazil that have effectively addressed illegal mining.
“Brazil had the same problem, and they found a way, and they have solved it. So far, what the government is offering is not helping,” he remarked, pointing to conflicting water quality reports.
Mr. Ibrahim also expressed worry about increasing turbidity levels in some water bodies, which, he said, contradicts official claims of environmental improvement.
“Besides, if they say the turbidity has improved in some of the water bodies, yet Ghana Water Limited is telling us that the reason for the increase in water tariff is galamsey, are they deceiving us?” he questioned.
Source: CNR
