Ghanaian President John Mahama has directed the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals posing as members of the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce who are reportedly extorting money from licensed small-scale miners. Speaking during his Thank You tour of the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, President Mahama decried the rampant environmental destruction in areas such as Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso, calling the situation a national emergency. He emphasized that while illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—continues to damage the nation’s water bodies and forest reserves, unscrupulous individuals falsely claiming to be with the national taskforce are undermining the official crackdown and intimidating legitimate miners for personal gain.
“The activities of these impersonators are criminal and will not be tolerated,” Mahama said. “We will intensify the operations of the official taskforce to ensure those destroying our environment are brought to justice, and those extorting money in our name are exposed and punished.” To further bolster the fight against illegal mining and cross-border criminal activities, President Mahama announced the establishment of a forward operating base of the Ghana Armed Forces in Ponikrom, located in the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal District. The new military base is intended to enhance regional security and provide rapid response capabilities in forest and mining zones.
The move comes after appeals from traditional leaders and local communities who are grappling with rising insecurity and environmental degradation caused by illegal miners and unregulated activities along Ghana’s western borders. The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and ensuring that lawful mining is not disrupted by criminals exploiting national security operations.
