Galamsey Fight Needs Mindset Change, Not State of Emergency – Miracles Aboagye

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has rejected calls for President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency to combat illegal mining (galamsey), arguing that such a move would not end the menace.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, September 22, 2025, Mr. Aboagye said community education and social mindset reorientation, combined with sustained law enforcement, offer a more lasting solution.

“Politics is what is causing the problem for us in the fight against galamsey. I have never supported the call for a state of emergency. I didn’t support it when we were in government, and I don’t support it now because I don’t think that is the solution,” he stated.

He also criticised the previous government’s two-year ban on small-scale mining, noting that although water bodies recovered temporarily, illegal mining resurfaced after the ban was lifted.

“We implemented the ban for two years; it worked, but when we lifted it—despite all the initiatives—the galamsey came back. We can’t just impose another ban when it’s been tried before,” he explained.

Mr. Aboagye stressed that government must invest in community-driven efforts to help residents understand the long-term environmental and health impacts of galamsey.

“If we can expose the community to the dire effects and draw their attention to how this is destroying their lives, they will help to stop it,” he said, adding that mindset change, coupled with enforcement, is key to success.