Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku, an NPP communicator and head of the Institute for Energy Policies and Research, has blamed Ghana’s ongoing battle against illegal mining, or galamsey, on a weak judicial system and partisan politics. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on September 27, 2025, Poku said the failure to punish offenders effectively makes arrests pointless, allowing illegal miners to resume work soon after being released.
“Arrests mean nothing in mining communities. People are arrested today, get bail tomorrow, and return to work the next day,” he said, pointing to a flawed judicial system as the core issue.
Poku suggested new laws to hold landowners and excavator owners accountable, arguing this would curb galamsey significantly. He noted that while small-scale mining has long existed, heavy machinery like excavators has worsened environmental damage.
“If we criminalize those who own the land or the excavators used in galamsey, it will make a big difference,” he said, adding that landowners are often complicit since mining can’t happen without their knowledge.
He also criticized the NPP and NDC for letting partisan politics hinder progress. “When one party vows to fight galamsey, the other undermines it. After nine months in power, nothing has changed,” Poku stated.
He warned that political rivalry and a lack of accountability continue to threaten Ghana’s efforts to stop illegal mining and its environmental toll.
