“Galamsey” refers to illegal mining in Ghana. After returning to power in December 2024, President John Mahama has vowed to intensify efforts against this issue. He is already facing a crisis, as seven illegal miners died last weekend during a clash with the army.
On the evening of January 18, seven illegal miners were killed in a gunfight with the army near AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi gold mine. This tragedy occurred just weeks after President John Mahama's inauguration, prompting him to order an immediate investigation into the circumstances of this "unfortunate" incident, according to a press release issued on January 19 by the presidency.
The situation is sensitive because the Obuasi gold mine has a history of conflict with illegal miners. In 2016, illegal miners invaded the site, forcing operations to halt. Although gold production resumed in 2019, tensions remain despite efforts by national and local authorities to reach a compromise. AngloGold Ashanti has not yet commented on how this incident will affect its gold production at Obuasi.
This situation also comes at a critical time for President Mahama, who promised during his campaign to find a lasting solution to illegal mining. Recent estimates suggest that illegal mining employs around one million people and supports over four million in Ghana. However, it is often criticized for harming the environment, as miners use methods that pollute soil and water.
“We will compel small-scale miners to undertake skills training in modern responsible methods and land reclamation techniques as part of their operations to minimize environmental harm," said John Mahama, who also proposed stricter penalties for illegal mining.
It remains to be seen which measures will be implemented and how effective they will be against illegal mining. During his previous term, President Mahama struggled to find lasting solutions to this issue, and his successor Nana Akufo-Addo's efforts also fell short.
Emiliano Tossou
• Global coffee consumption projected to hit a record 169.4 million 60-kg bags in 2025/2026, up from...
• Algeria grants commercial 5G licenses to top three telecom operators: Mobilis, Djezzy, and Ooredoo...
• Investors seem to keep focusing on yields, which are high for the moment• New Leadership might see...
• Kenyan President William Ruto signs strategic partnership with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to b...
• IFC teams up with AfDB and Nigeria’s EbonyLife to assess a new fund for African cinema• Sector cou...
In preparation for establishing a National Center for Economic and Strategic Intelligence in Cameroon, agents from the General Directorate of External...
• Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways establish strategic agreement, introducing a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi. • Part of wider Qatari...
• The third Africa-Spain summit aims to strengthen trade relationships, with bilateral trade totaling approximately $35 billion in the first half of...
• World cereal production estimated to hit 2.925 billion tons in 2025/2026, marking a 2.3% increase from the previous cycle, according to the Food and...
The Gerewol tradition is a fascinating ritual celebrated by the Bororo Fulani, a nomadic community primarily located in Chad and Niger. This annual...
In northern Ethiopia, in the Tigray region, lies Axum (also spelled Aksum), an ancient city that once stood at the heart of one of Africa’s most powerful...