In a powerful declaration that underscores the current administration’s uncompromising stance on environmental crime, a prominent figure within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made it clear: President John Dramani Mahama will not grant political protection to any member of the party found guilty of engaging in illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Delali Sewoekpor, an aide to the President, delivered this statement, which serves as a firm affirmation of the President's commitment to prioritizing national well-being and the rule of law over political loyalty. The statement is intended to address public concerns and quell persistent accusations regarding political complicity in the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
A Clear Stance on Accountability and the Rule of Law
President Mahama's government, which took office in January 2025, has made the fight against illegal mining one of its central priorities. Sewoekpor's remarks emphasize that the administration's efforts will be applied without a political bias, a necessary assurance given the high level of public distrust surrounding the issue.
Zero Tolerance, Regardless of Affiliation: The core message is that an NDC membership card will not serve as immunity against prosecution for environmental crimes. This commitment aims to set a new standard of political accountability, ensuring that the destruction of Ghana's natural resources is treated as a grave offense, irrespective of the perpetrator's political ties.
Focus on the Financiers: The President's strategy against galamsey has consistently highlighted the need to track down and severely punish the "heavy financiers" and galamsey kingpins who provide the capital and equipment for the illegal operations. Sewoekpor confirms that this dragnet is designed to catch not only foot soldiers but also powerful individuals within the political and social elite.
Policy Nuances: Unlike previous, more confrontational approaches, President Mahama has advocated for a measured response, including the seizure of excavators instead of outright burning. This policy aims to remove the tools of destruction immediately while preserving their value so they can be legally repurposed or auctioned by the state to recoup the costs of environmental reclamation.
Addressing Ghana's Deep-Rooted Environmental Crisis
The severity of the galamsey problem necessitates this forceful political response. The practice continues to devastate Ghana's vital resources, poisoning major rivers like the Pra and Tano with mercury and other toxins, and decimating forest cover.
The move by President Mahama's team to publicly commit to the prosecution of their own is a significant strategic effort to:
Rebuild Public Trust: Countering the widely held suspicion that political elites are secretly protecting galamsey operators for financial gain.
Ensure Policy Effectiveness: Guaranteeing that law enforcement and regulatory agencies can act decisively without fear of political interference from party ranks.
By drawing this clear line, President Mahama signals that his administration views the fight against environmental destruction as a national security issue, demanding the highest level of integrity and political will. The success of this policy will ultimately be measured by the actions taken against any powerful individuals-NDC or otherwise-who are found to be destroying Ghana's future for quick profit.
Source: The facts and perspective in this article are based on statements made by Delali Sewoekpor, an aide to the President, as reported by Citi Newsroom, in the context of broader political discourse and President Mahama's public stance on the fight against illegal mining, including reports from the Presidency and other Ghanaian news outlets.
For an in-depth discussion on the challenges and strategies in this area, you can watch the following: The Truth About Mahama's Galamsey Fight: Good, Bad and Ugly.
Source: Citinewsroom, GBC Ghana Online, 3News, GhanaWeb, and MyJoyOnline reports (November 2025).