Government must not perpetrate galamsey, it campaigned against – GBA President

Efua Ghartey, the President of the Ghana Bar Association, has implored the government to demonstrate genuine commitment in combating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. During the Ghana Bar Association Conference 2026/27 held in Ada, Ghana, she emphasized that actions must align with the government's pledges against galamsey. Ghartey cautioned that mere declarations without corresponding enforcement would be hollow rhetoric.

The GBA President stressed that the legal profession has a duty to address societal issues directly, warning that government pronouncements on galamsey would hold little weight without substantive action. She expressed deep concern over reports of certain individuals, possibly linked to political parties, actively participating in illegal mining operations while the country's natural resources suffer further degradation.

Ghartey highlighted the troubling trend of illegal mining affecting forests, water bodies, and farmlands, questioning the efficiency and impartiality of ongoing anti-galamsey efforts. She stressed that the battle against illegal mining should be devoid of political bias, power, or personal connections. The GBA President urged the government to go beyond empty promises and translate its commitments into tangible actions, as the people of Ghana expect their promises to be kept, not abandoned after gaining power.

Ghanaian citizens anticipate that government assurances regarding the end of galamsey will be fulfilled, not disregarded once political power is secured. Ghartey emphasized that the fight against illegal mining cannot be selective or partisan, asserting that the law must be equally applicable to all, irrespective of political affiliations, positions, or influence.

She called on the government to display the political will necessary to enforce environmental and mining laws without bias, safeguarding the nation's natural resources and securing a better future for Ghana.