‘Our galamsey fight is nothing but staged drama until the kingpins are dealt with’ – Prof Boadi
The recent arrest of 26 individuals involved in illegal mining activities near Samreboi in Ghana’s Western Region has reignited debate about the country’s fight against galamsey. This crackdown, led by the Ghana Police Service, is part of a larger national effort to address illegal mining, which continues to cause extensive environmental damage, including the destruction of forests and contamination of water bodies.
However, Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has expressed serious concerns about the true effectiveness of these operations. During an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, April 18, Prof Boadi stated that unless those at the top—the powerful individuals who orchestrate and benefit from illegal mining—are held accountable, the fight against galamsey will remain largely symbolic.
He noted that while the arrest of small-scale illegal miners is commendable, it does little to solve the root of the problem. According to him, the environmental toll from galamsey is worsening, and without addressing the involvement of influential players behind these operations, any progress made will be superficial at best. Prof Boadi referred to the current efforts as a “staged drama,” arguing that genuine change requires targeting and prosecuting the key figures driving the illegal mining industry.
The professor’s remarks followed a police report that detailed the successful operation resulting in the arrest of the 26 miners within a protected forest reserve. While the arrests were significant, Prof Boadi insists that such actions are insufficient if the individuals who finance and enable galamsey activities continue to act with impunity.
He called for a more holistic and uncompromising strategy, urging authorities not just to arrest foot soldiers, but to dismantle the networks that sustain illegal mining. According to Prof Boadi, the battle must go beyond occasional operations and publicized arrests—it must involve genuine political will to prosecute those at the highest levels who perpetuate and profit from the industry.
In summary, while the latest crackdown in Samreboi highlights ongoing efforts to address illegal mining, critics like Prof Boadi argue that the fight lacks credibility until the so-called kingpins are dealt with decisively. Without confronting the power structures that protect galamsey operations, the environmental crisis facing Ghana will persist, and efforts to resolve it will remain performative.
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