The Ashanti Regional Chapter of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners has claimed that the involvement of high-ranking politicians is the main reason why efforts to combat illegal mining have failed.
According to General Secretary Michael Adu Gyamfi, successive governments haven’t shown a genuine commitment to fighting galamsey (illegal mining).
He emphasised that until authorities hold officials and politicians accountable, the fight against galamsey will remain ineffective.
In an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Adu Gyamfi asserted that numerous political figures, both past and present, have acted as fronts for foreigners, particularly Chinese nationals, to engage in illegal mining.
He reiterated that many politicians have refused to combat galamsey because of financial gains.
Adu Gyamfi was responding to calls for a ban on small-scale mining activities following the helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two cabinet ministers.
He questioned the sudden demand for an aggressive fight against galamsey, asking if the crash was the catalyst for the renewed interest in combating the issue.
He also wondered why some people are now demanding an aggressive fight against galamsey, asking, “Would we not have fought against galamsey if the helicopter hadn’t crashed? Is it the case that we were not serious about galamsey and are only now demanding an aggressive fight because the helicopter crashed?”
He described the call for a ban on small-scale mining activities as misplaced, arguing that licensed small-scale miners are not responsible for the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves or for engaging in unlicensed mining activities in unauthorized places.