‘Stop Now or We’ll Name and Shame You’ – Elikem Kotoko Warns Galamsey ‘Big Men’

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has issued a sharp warning to illegal miners (galamsey operators), declaring that government will publicly expose powerful individuals behind the activity if they fail to stop immediately.

His caution follows a recent Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) alert that traces of mercury have been found in locally consumed products such as turmeric and cereal mixes (Tom Brown) — a worrying health risk linked to galamsey pollution.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Monday, September 29, 2025, Mr. Kotoko said no political or social connections will protect perpetrators as the state intensifies its crackdown.

“From this week onwards, if you are engaged in this enterprise, it is best you put a stop to it. There will be naming and shaming, and it doesn’t matter who you are, where you belong, or who you know,” he warned.

Traditional Authorities on the Spot

Mr. Kotoko emphasised the critical role of chiefs and landowners in combating the menace, citing Ghana’s land tenure system as a key factor enabling illegal mining.

“Our traditional authorities play a major role. The NAIMOS [National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations] task force has been instructed to further engage them to ensure this fight is not seen as a political move,” he explained.

He added that the task force will give offenders an opportunity to correct violations before military action is triggered.

Escalating Crackdown

The warning aligns with fresh directives from Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who has ordered NAIMOS to intensify operations and deal ruthlessly with offenders.

Government officials say the new measures aim not only to protect Ghana’s rivers and forests, but also to prevent the contamination of food and water supplies.