President Mahama Convenes High-Level Meeting with CSOs on Galamsey Crisis

October 4, 2025

President John Mahama has initiated critical consultations with major civil society organizations at the Jubilee House to address Ghana's escalating illegal mining crisis, commonly known as galamsey.

Stakeholder Engagement

The engagement brought together senior government officials and prominent civil society leaders for what the presidency characterized as "frank and constructive discussions" aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the environmental and social devastation caused by illegal mining activities.

Purpose and Objectives

The dialogue was designed to leverage the "collective expertise and perspectives" of key stakeholders as the administration works to develop a comprehensive approach that balances:

• Resource extraction needs
• Environmental sustainability
• Community livelihoods and welfare

Context

The meeting comes amid growing concerns about the severe environmental impact of galamsey on Ghana's water bodies, forest reserves, and agricultural lands. Civil society organizations have been at the forefront of advocacy calling for decisive government action to combat the menace.

The presidency emphasized that the engagement represents part of a broader consultative process to develop lasting solutions to illegal mining, which has become one of Ghana's most pressing environmental challenges.

Significance

This high-level engagement signals the government's acknowledgment of the critical role civil society plays in addressing the galamsey crisis and its commitment to inclusive policy-making on environmental issues affecting the nation.