Galamsey fight improving under Mahama — NDC communicator

National Communications Member of the ruling NDC, Abdulai Sakra Alhassan, has claimed that efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, have recorded steady improvement under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

He also dismissed allegations that the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is purchasing gold from illegal miners.

He asserted that the institution is rather focused on formalising and regulating the mining sector.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, June 22, he argued that government interventions are gradually strengthening enforcement and promoting responsible mining practices.

According to him, ongoing reforms are aimed at addressing environmental damage while ensuring that mining activities are brought under proper regulatory control.

"Goldboard CEO, I think, just this week, or last week, I saw Gold Board, Military and Forestry Commission launch 27 million land reclamation drive... I think this is the solution to one of these things," he said.

He explained that initiatives such as land reclamation and reforestation projects are part of a broader strategy to restore degraded mining areas across the country.

Mr. Sakra Alhassan further argued that the introduction of GoldBod is helping to sanitise the gold trading sector and improve traceability in the industry.

He maintained that the institution is not engaged in dealings with illegal miners, stressing that its mandate is focused on legal and certified mining operations.

He added that the broader objective is to ensure that mining activities that were previously destructive are now carried out within legal and environmentally responsible frameworks.

The NDC communicator further noted that while challenges remain, government policies are beginning to show positive results in the fight against illegal mining.