Local Government Ministry, MMDCEs are responsible for stopping “galamsey” – Mahama Ayariga

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has declared that stopping illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is the responsibility of the ministry and heads of local authorities.

He says Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) must take ownership of efforts to stop illegal mining in their respective jurisdictions, arguing that the involvement of local authorities is essential to sustaining the fight.

According to the Minister, the activities take place within localities governed by the MMDCEs, making them responsible for addressing the situation.

“In all sincerity and with all humility, I honestly believe that ultimately, we, we as in you and I, at the Ministry of Local Government, and as heads of the various localities, are responsible for what is happening,” he said.He added: “We are supposed to stop it. It is our mandate, our responsibility to stop it.”

He acknowledged that mining falls under the mandate of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, while environmental protection is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.

However, he stressed that the efforts of these ministries and the military alone would not be enough to sustain progress without local authorities taking charge of the areas under their jurisdiction.

“The president can set up the military nine months and etc. But unless you and I set up and try to manage the situation, it will be difficult for the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry, or even the Ministry of Environment, to be able to deal with this problem, or even the military,” he said.

The minister said local authorities must actively manage their communities to help bring an end to illegal mining and the environmental destruction associated with it.

As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration, Mahama Ayariga announced a conference scheduled for November 2, 2026, in Kumasi, involving the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.

The meeting, scheduled to take place at the Lancaster Hotel, is expected to bring the three ministries and local government authorities together to develop a coordinated approach to tackling illegal small-scale mining.

Mahama Ayariga expressed confidence that the country could address the problem under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, emphasising that the active involvement of MMDCEs would be crucial to sustaining the fight.

His comments came during the presentation of SUVs and pickup trucks to selected MMDCEs, which he said was part of the government’s efforts to provide local authorities with the logistics needed to perform their duties effectively.

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