Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has sharply criticised Ghana’s political class, accusing both major parties of lacking the political will to end illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Manasseh said successive governments have failed to tackle the menace because some politicians and powerful figures benefit directly or indirectly from the illegal mining trade.
“A politician can give you a state of emergency without solving a problem,” he said. “Most of the time, the reason we cannot solve a problem is when those who are supposed to solve it are benefiting from it.”
According to Manasseh, both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have had individuals with vested interests in galamsey operations. He noted that the young men seen working in mining pits are often mere labourers representing wealthy sponsors who control the business from behind the scenes.
“The average young person we see dirty in those pits does not have what it takes to import excavators and huge equipment to the mining site,” he argued, stressing that government’s fight against galamsey lacks sincerity and accountability.
His remarks come on the heels of a violent confrontation between soldiers and illegal miners at Ahafo Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region. Reports indicate that the soldiers, who were on assignment in Goaso, had discovered an illegal mining site at Bronikrom near Hwidiem and arrested the site owner. They also seized vehicles, pistols, and mobile phones before burning equipment and wooden structures.
However, their actions angered local residents, sparking a clash that led to the vandalisation of a Toyota Hilux pickup (AD 7191-25) belonging to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) team. A police reinforcement team later intervened to rescue nine soldiers trapped by the mob.
The incident has reignited national debate about whether the government truly has the capacity and determination to eliminate galamsey, which continues to destroy water bodies, forests, and farmlands across Ghana.
Manasseh concluded that until politicians and state actors detach themselves from personal and financial interests in the illegal gold trade, Ghana’s fight against galamsey will remain “a show with no seriousness.”
He called for genuine political courage, transparent enforcement, and accountability, urging citizens to demand more from their leaders to save the country’s environment and future generations.
