The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has responded to claims he once called for a state of emergency in galamsey-hit areas.
According to Sam George, he never called for a state of emergency when in opposition.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Sam Nartey George stated, “I have never, ever called for a state of emergency”.
“Galamsey remains the biggest existential threat to our nation. It is Ghana’s version of Colombia’s drug cartels. Our armed forces are capable of launching surgical operations to win this war”.
“Have we fixed it? Not yet. But I am confident that before the expiration of President Mahama’s term, we will be in a better place,” he said.
Sam George further admitted that President John Mahama could have moved faster in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
Sam George argued that he wishes galamsey could even end today.
He added, “That was seven years, nine months into the Nana Akufo-Addo administration. After multiple anti-galamsey task forces and millions of cedis spent, it was fair to demand action. We didn’t see it.”
Sam George admitted, “Do I wish I had seen more? Absolutely. I wish it ended today. But in the nine months, I can confidently say that I see a desire and a will to deal with galamsey that didn’t exist in the previous eight years.”
“Under the previous president, a regional chairman openly told a minister that they must engage in galamsey because the party needed money. The president went on to campaign for that individual. That was tacit endorsement,” he said.
The communication minister stressed, “A lot more could be done in terms of enforcement. We could move faster”.
“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has started fantastically well, but we must not rest on our laurels. We should go all out and win this war, if not for anything, in memory of the eight gallant sons who died in the helicopter crash.”
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has invitated Civil Society Organisations to a high-level engagement on illegal mining.
The meeting is scheduled for Friday, 3rd October, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Jubilee House.
The dialogue is expected to bring together government officials and civil society leaders to find a lasting solution to the menace of illegal mining.
In a letter issued by Dr Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, it indicates the dialogue will serve as a platform for frank and constructive discussions on illegal mining.
The letter stated, “This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge”.
President Mahama’s invitation comes at a time when his government have been receiving backlash over their failure to properly deal with illegal mining.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has ordered the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) Task Force to be firm, resolute and ruthless.
According to the Lands Minister, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations has the full support of President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking at the deployment of the NAIMOS Task Force in Sunyani on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Armah-Kofi Buah stated, “The fight against illegal mining is not going to stop, and every measure at the Presidency is going to be used. I charge you with a profound sense of duty and patriotism.
Any recalcitrant who enters these zones is not only a trespasser, but also an enemy of the state. You are to be firm, resolute, and ruthless.
“You will take no obtrusive intrusion from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President, and he is the one who has sent you,” Mr Buah declared.
“The most powerful person in this country, the President, is fully backing you on this mission. The NDC does not and will not endorse what our President is against. In the bush or in a water body, there is no political colour.
So, if anybody goes in the name of a political colour, arrest the person. If anybody comes in the name of the President, also arrest the person,” he said.