We’ll surely win fight against galamsey – Wulensi MP

Independent Member of Parliament for Wulensi and member of Parliament’s Environment Committee, Stanley Yaw Nandaya, has expressed strong optimism that Ghana will ultimately triumph in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking on Point Blank, a segment of Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Mr. Nandaya said the government and relevant stakeholders are rolling out strategic and sustainable interventions to tackle the problem.

“We are dealing with galamsey. We will surely win the fight. Measures are put in place, and I am sure you will hear of them soon,” he said confidently.

The Wulensi MP stressed that a forceful approach alone will not solve the problem, emphasizing the need for community-sensitive strategies that consider the livelihoods of those involved. “Dealing with the issue of galamsey is a matter of using strategic measures, which must be adopted and not just forced. Because people have lived on galamsey to make it their source of livelihood.”

He also highlighted the devastating environmental damage caused by illegal mining, particularly in the Eastern, Ashanti, and Western Regions. “On the issue of galamsey, you will not go to the Eastern Region and be happy with the place — the same with the Ashanti and Western Regions. We are treading on dangerous grounds. If we are not careful to handle it ourselves, in a way people will understand, our water bodies will be gone.”

To mitigate the situation, Mr. Nandaya said the government is pursuing alternatives that steer the youth away from galamsey and toward more sustainable forms of employment.

“We are now coming up with very strategic measures. We are the first nation in West Africa to champion this course. We are encouraging our youth to go into agriculture as well,” he explained.

While acknowledging Ghana’s vast arable land and rich natural resources, he lamented the growing trend of young people abandoning farming in favour of illegal mining.

“We have lands for farming activities and we have lands which have trees and natural resources. But some of the youth are finding galamsey as a quick money-making venture,” he noted.