Kofi Wayo’s Controversial Galamsey Comments From 2012 Resurface After His Death

The fight against illegal mining has remained one of Ghana’s biggest challenges for years, but the death of outspoken politician Charles Eric Kofi Wayo has brought fresh attention to the strong comments he made about the menace and the government’s response.

Kofi Wayo, popularly known as Chuck, died on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Nyaho Clinic in Accra. He was 71. His death has led to renewed interest in his political life, especially his willingness to challenge people in power, regardless of their political background.

One of the issues that brought out his outspoken side was galamsey. Wayo was particularly concerned about the involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining and what he considered the failure of Ghanaian authorities to protect local communities.

In July 2012, he launched a strong attack on then-President John Evans Atta Mills over reports that Chinese nationals were involved in illegal mining activities in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.

His comments followed reports of a clash between residents of Manso-Nsiena and 15 Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal mining. Wayo challenged the President to direct the security agencies to remove foreigners involved in the activity.

He made his frustration clear when he asked: “You know Kufuor brought the Chinese, and when I said it, people said I was mad. Now you see what is happening. How can anybody have the courage in a foreign country to take weapons against the citizens and the government sits down and watch? How can you allow this?”

He also questioned the presence of armed foreign miners in Ghanaian communities and demanded stronger action from the military, police and national security authorities.

Wayo’s criticism did not end there. In June 2013, he described the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) as ineffective in dealing with illegal mining. He argued that the organisation was poorly trained and equipped to handle the problem.

Interestingly, he also raised concerns about alleged abuses by members of the anti-galamsey task force. While supporting efforts to stop illegal mining, he acknowledged claims that some officers were taking money from miners unlawfully.

In June 2017, following the killing of Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, Wayo called on the military high command to withdraw soldiers from galamsey sites, arguing that such duties were not part of their contract with the state.

His comments remain relevant because illegal mining continues to damage rivers, forests and farmlands, despite several government interventions.