We Will Jail You! Mahama Threatens Galamseyers

Former President John Mahama has made a dubious pledge to clamp down on illegal mining, also known as galamsey, if re-elected in 2024, despite his administration’s tacit complicity in the practice between 2012 and 2016. Mahama’s newfound zeal to prosecute and jail galamseyers rings hollow, given his previous regime’s laissez-faire attitude towards the environmental menace, which ravaged swathes of arable land and sparked clashes between mining companies.

Speaking at a durbar in Aboabo No.4, in the Dormaa Central Constituency, Mahama stated, “Not only will the new NDC administration ban galamsey, but we will also arrest and prosecute those involved”, riding on the “short memories” of Ghanaians. However, this stance contrasts with his track record and previous campaign messages in mining zones.

Mahama’s promise comes despite his administration’s tacit encouragement of galamsey between 2012 and 2016. The menace of galamsey did not suddenly erupt in 2024 for Former President Mahama to exploit associated discontent for electoral gains. At least, Ghanaians have good memories to remember that he dictated the state of affairs in Ghana between 2012 and 2016. During his presidency, illegal mining was rampant, with reports of workers and residents threatening demonstrations and clashes between mining companies.

In 2016, workers at the Owere Mines in Konongo Odumase, Ashanti Region, threatened to demonstrate against persistent galamsey activities and accused the Municipal Chief Executive of inaction. Meanwhile, RichPower Mining and two other mining companies, Sheng Da Group and Nicodum Enterprise (both Chinese-dominated companies lacking requisite licenses) clashed over a mining concession in Bawku West District. The Minerals Commission highlighted the illegal status of the latter two companies. It suffices to say that, illegal mining flourished between 2012 and 2016, allegedly due to tacit encouragement by the Mahama regime.

Former President Mahama’s stance was likely influenced by political expediency. As he sought re-election in 2016, he couldn’t risk further antagonizing voters by cracking down on galamsey activities, which had already polluted the political landscape. His delicate relationship with China and the East required compromises, including turning a blind eye to the widespread destruction of swathes of arable land caused by galamsey. During his tenure, not a single person was prosecuted for these offences. Instead, a reported deal with China led to a minimal number of deportations, a move that was largely symbolic.

This year, Mahama has campaigned across the country, taking a measured approach to avoid offending illegal miners, particularly in Western and Western North Regions. His aide, Joyce Bawa-Magtari, recently suggested that the next NDC government might grant amnesty to alleged illegal miners awaiting prosecution or already convicted. This contradictory stance raises questions about Mahama’s motivations, including the possibility of deceiving voters.

Galamsey has become a significant campaign issue, with various institutions calling for decisive action. Government officials, including the Minister for Natural Resources, have responded to these concerns. Mahama’s promise to tackle galamsey may be seen as an attempt to capitalize on this sentiment, but his past actions and conflicting statements undermine his credibility on this issue.