(Ecofin Agency) - “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