Galamsey Fight Failing Because of Vested Interests – Tsatsu Tsikata

Renowned legal practitioner, Tsatsu Tsikata, has attributed the government’s inability to win the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, to entrenched vested interests protecting the practice.

Speaking on TV3’s Agenda programme on Monday, September 30, 2025, Mr. Tsikata lamented the persistent destruction of Ghana’s environment despite widespread public concern.

“It’s a shame indeed, that we are where we are. I think there are some hard facts. One is that clearly, there are vested interests that are protecting the situation that we find ourselves in. There are vested interests which are trying to prevent any serious combating of what is an untenable situation,” he stressed.

Illegal mining has been linked to the destruction of water bodies, degradation of forest reserves, and contamination of food crops with heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic. Civil society groups and other stakeholders have called on President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency to deal with the crisis.

However, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has instead declared water bodies and forest reserves as security zones — a move critics say falls short of the drastic action required.

Mr. Tsikata further questioned why mining licenses were granted in protected reserves in recent years, suggesting that political protection has enabled galamsey operators to thrive.

“You ask yourself, if we all proclaim that this is something terrible, why is it that there are some people who are able to mine in forest reserves?” he quizzed.

“Clearly, some of these people have felt protected politically. Let’s call a spade a spade. In the last 8 years, look at the mining licenses that were granted, including for mining in reserves. It doesn’t make sense. Why is it possible that just before handing over to a new government, licenses were issued? Why?” he asked.

The remarks add to growing concerns that political and business interests may be undermining efforts to curb illegal mining, despite its devastating impact on Ghana’s environment and public health.