Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has assured Ghanaians that investigations into the arrests and incarceration of illegal miners—popularly known as galamsey operators—are ongoing and will soon be followed by the publication of a comprehensive report.
Dr. Ayine made this known on Friday, October 3, 2025, during an interactive session between government officials and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Accra. The meeting, which was part of government’s broader engagement on mining sector reforms, also provided a platform for stakeholders to raise concerns about law enforcement, accountability, and political interference in the fight against illegal mining.
Speaking in response to questions from participants, the Attorney-General emphasized that the investigations were not limited to the miners themselves, but also extended to possible complicity by political actors and other individuals suspected of enabling or shielding illegal mining activities.
“We want to assure the public that due process is being followed. Where there are arrests, the trials are ongoing, and where there is suspicion of political involvement, we are looking into those allegations as well. A formal report will be published soon for the attention of all Ghanaians,” Dr. Ayine stated.
Illegal mining has long been one of Ghana’s most pressing socio-environmental challenges, often blamed for the destruction of arable lands, pollution of rivers, and disruption of legitimate large-scale mining operations. Despite several taskforces and interventions, galamsey remains deeply entrenched, with accusations of corruption and political protection frequently surfacing.
Bring In Foreign Security To Fight Galamsey— Saddick Adams
The Attorney-General noted that government is determined to ensure that prosecutions are fair, transparent, and free from undue influence. He stressed that the upcoming report will reflect the government’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
Civil society representatives at the encounter welcomed the assurance but urged government to move beyond promises and ensure timely publication of the findings. They argued that transparency and swift action are critical if public confidence in the fight against illegal mining is to be restored.
The government’s renewed focus on illegal mining comes at a time when President John Dramani Mahama has also announced sweeping reforms to Ghana’s mining laws and regulations, expected to be rolled out in the coming months. Together, the reforms and investigations are seen as part of a broader national strategy to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and ensure that mining contributes sustainably to the economy.
