Story by: Sarah Adwoa Akutteh

The former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Rev Dr Joyce Aryee, has called on Ghana to set a clear long-term vision for its mining sector to avoid drifting without national direction. Speaking at the African Media Extractive Fellowship Training in Accra on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, Dr Aryee emphasized the urgent need for the country to decide its future with mining.

“Ghana must decide where it wants to go with mining. What do we want to achieve? What is the end game? Mining cannot continue without a clear national vision,” she said.

Dr Aryee highlighted mining as not just an economic activity but a complex issue affecting social, environmental, and human development. “Mining is more than minerals; it affects communities, their land, water sources, livelihoods, culture and dignity,” she explained.

With mining contributing over 8% to Ghana’s GDP and generating an estimated GH₵6.8 billion in the second quarter of 2025, the sector provides significant jobs. However, Dr Aryee warned these gains do not justify ongoing harm perceived by local communities.

She urged Ghana to balance economic growth with social protection, land rights, and environmental safety, describing this as the dual mandate of mining: growing the economy while protecting those impacted by extraction.

Ethical leadership, she insisted, is essential for sustainable mining. “Leadership must be honest, transparent and accountable. Mining companies and policymakers must engage communities, listen to concerns and involve them in decision-making.”

Addressing illegal mining or galamsey, Dr Aryee said lack of a clear pathway to integrate artisanal miners into the formal sector fuels the problem. “It takes courage to say we cannot allow galamsey to continue, but without national clarity and firmness, destruction will persist.”

Dr Aryee called on journalists to promote accurate and fair reporting to shape national discourse. “Your work should inform public understanding, encourage responsible leadership and build peace.”

She concluded by urging Ghana to adopt a unified, long-term mining framework prioritizing ethics, sustainability, inclusivity, and community partnership. “Mining must serve all Ghanaians equitably. We need a vision that protects lives, land and livelihoods.”

Former staff of the Bogoso-Prestea Gold Mine are calling on the government to step in quickly after months of unpaid benefits following the change in management of the mine.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the group’s Convenor, Gabriel Madobi, said life has become extremely difficult for the affected workers since the mining lease of Future Global Resources (FGR) was terminated and reassigned to Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL) in November 2024.

Madobi explained that although HGL assured workers it would honor all financial obligations, the company has not fulfilled several key commitments. These include Provident Fund contributions, End of Contract Benefits, Outstanding Leave Balances, and the 2023 Bonus.

“We are not here only to fight for what is due us financially; we stand here today on behalf of many in pursuit of justice, accountability, and a dignified future for the men and women who built and sustained this mine,” he said.

He added that workers initially welcomed the new operator with hope that operations would stabilise and long standing issues would finally be resolved. Instead, the situation has worsened, with the company struggling to meet its financial responsibilities and many workers already disengaged.

Madobi is appealing to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, to intervene without delay to ensure all outstanding payments are settled. He also wants the government to conduct a full review of the matter and take firm action to secure the future of the mine.

The workers are further calling for HGL to be replaced with a more financially stable operator that can invest in the mine, restore operations, and support long term growth.

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm warning to communities that attack public officials and security personnel performing their lawful duties, especially during operations to curb illegal mining activities.

Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalist Association Award ceremony held at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday 8th November, 2025, themed on protecting Ghana’s future from the devastating effects of illegal mining (galamsey), President Mahama said such attacks will no longer be tolerated.

“I wish to notify communities that attack public officials and security personnel performing their lawful duties that firm action will be taken against them,” the President declared.

He described illegal mining as a national crisis that threatens the environment, water bodies, and the livelihoods of future generations. According to him, the fight against galamsey is not one of convenience but a moral and existential obligation.

“The theme of tonight’s event reminds us that protecting Ghana’s future requires a united stand against illegal mining. This is not a matter of convenience—it is essential for our very survival as a nation,” he stated.

President Mahama expressed concern that illegal mining has become deeply rooted in some communities to the extent that residents openly confront security teams sent to enforce the law.

“Illegal mining has so deeply ingrained itself in the fabric of our society that, despite the obvious damage it causes, entire communities mobilize and confront security personnel when they arrive to combat illegal mining operations,” he lamented.

He revealed that on Thursday, a group of journalists and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials were attacked by a mob during an anti-galamsey operation, leaving some reporters injured.

“Only yesterday, I received news of an accident in which some journalists were injured as they retreated from a community mob attack on EPA officials and security officers,” President Mahama said.

He added that he had directed the Chief of Staff Mr. Julius Debrah to contact the injured journalists and ensure that their medical expenses are covered.

The President acknowledged the frustration of many young people who turn to illegal mining due to lack of jobs but stressed that destroying the environment cannot be a solution.

“I can understand that our young people have been deprived of opportunity over the years, but destroying the environment is like cutting off your nose to spite your face,” he cautioned.

He assured Ghanaians that government is working to create sustainable jobs through several new initiatives including the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, the Feed Ghana Program, the Poultry Revitalization Program, and the National Apprenticeship Program.

“The government is working hard to stabilize and grow the economy to create a conducive environment for job creation and employment,” he explained.

President Mahama also announced plans to expand environmental programs like the Tree for Life Reforestation Program and the Blue Water Guards Initiative, which he said will restore degraded lands and protect river bodies while creating thousands of jobs for young people in affected areas.

“I have asked the Minister of Finance to increase the budget allocation so we can recruit more youth into forest replanting and Blue River Guards to safeguard our water bodies,” he revealed. “These youth will receive a monthly stipend of 1,500 Ghana cedis.”

He concluded by commending journalists who continue to expose illegal mining activities despite facing personal risks.

“I wish to commend journalists like Erastus Asare Donkor and others who persist in exposing environmental crime at great personal risk. Your bravery is noted. It is patriotic, and your efforts strengthen our moral reserve to continue the fight,” the President said.