Is My Ministry in Charge of Galamsey? – Sam George Fires Back

On 13 October 2026, Asaase Radio reported on a fiery response from Sam Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, who pushed back against critics attempting to hold him responsible for the country’s illegal mining menace, popularly known as galamsey. His post, captioned “Is my ministry in charge of Galamsey – Sam George fires back”, captured his frustration with what he described as misplaced blame.

George’s rebuttal came after sections of the public linked his ministry to the persistence of galamsey, citing his earlier remarks about the impact of illegal mining on fibre optic cables and telecommunications infrastructure. He clarified that while galamsey may affect digital infrastructure, the responsibility for regulating and eliminating the practice does not fall under his ministry’s mandate. His rhetorical question — “Is my ministry in charge of galamsey?” — was both defensive and instructive, aimed at redirecting accountability to the appropriate agencies.

The tone of his statement was combative, reflecting the theme of political accountability and jurisdiction. George sought to remind critics that ministries have defined mandates, and that holding him responsible for galamsey was both unfair and inaccurate. His response underscores the broader challenge of governance in Ghana, where overlapping crises often blur lines of responsibility.

At a deeper level, this controversy highlights the intersection of environmental degradation and governance. Galamsey has long been a national crisis, destroying water bodies, forests, and infrastructure. While George’s ministry may suffer collateral damage from its effects, the fight against galamsey lies primarily with institutions responsible for natural resources, law enforcement, and environmental protection. His frustration reflects the difficulty of being drawn into a debate that, in his view, belongs elsewhere.

Observers note that George’s remarks resonate with wider debates about political communication and credibility. Citizens often expect ministers to speak to national crises, regardless of their portfolios. By distancing himself from galamsey, George risks appearing evasive, yet his insistence on mandate clarity also reflects the bureaucratic reality of governance. The tension between public expectation and ministerial responsibility is at the heart of this exchange.

In conclusion, Asaase Radio’s post — “Is my ministry in charge of Galamsey – Sam George fires back” — captures a moment of sharp political defense. It dramatizes the clash between public frustration over galamsey and ministerial boundaries, reminding Ghanaians that accountability must be properly directed if the fight against illegal mining is to succeed.

Source: Asaase Radio, Official Facebook Post, 13 October 2026

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