So called Legalized Small Scale Miners Are The Problem

"Legalized Small-Scale Mining Is The Problem,Not Traditional Galamsey, is Destroying Ghana's Environment" — Cadman Atta Mills

October 13,2025

Former Presidential Staffer Calls for Revocation of Mining Licenses Without Environmental Assessment

Cadman Atta Mills, a prominent political figure and former Presidential Staffer, has sparked fresh debate on Ghana's illegal mining crisis, arguing that traditional galamsey is not the primary problem but rather legalized small-scale mining operations that are destroying the environment.

Distinguishing Traditional Galamsey from Modern Destruction

In a detailed statement on social media, Mr. Atta Mills drew a critical distinction between traditional informal gold panning and the current wave of environmental destruction plaguing Ghana's mining communities.

According to him, the Minister of Government Communications has presented the most coherent and accurate tracing of the evolution of destructive "small-scale mining" in Ghana. He explained that "galamsey" or informal gold panning has always existed in Ghana with minimal environmental impact because it involved individuals panning for gold with rudimentary tools such as pick-axes and shovels.

The Real Culprit: Legalized Industrial Operations

"What is happening in Ghana today and playing havoc with the environment is not 'Galamsey' as traditionally known but legalized organized rape of the environment with equipment (escalators, water pumps, chaftans, etc.) which are totally out of the reach of the traditional 'galamseyers'," Mr. Atta Mills stated.

He emphasized that the current environmental crisis is being driven by well-equipped, organized mining operations that operate under legal licenses but with devastating environmental consequences.

Allegations of Political Interference

Mr. Atta Mills made serious allegations about the licensing process, claiming that politically well-connected individuals are being granted mining licenses without meeting basic regulatory requirements.

"Politically well-connected individuals are granted mining licenses without being required to present (1) proof of economic discovery, (2) a plan of development, and (3) an environmental assessment and mitigation plan," he revealed.

Call for License Revocation

Drawing a firm conclusion from his analysis, the former Presidential Staffer called for decisive action: "It stands to reason, therefore, that all licenses for small-scale mining without an environmental assessment and mitigation plans must be revoked."

Implications for Anti-Galamsey Fight

Mr. Atta Mills' intervention adds a new dimension to the ongoing national conversation about illegal mining and environmental protection. His argument suggests that the fight against galamsey may have been misdirected, focusing on artisanal miners while ignoring the more destructive legalized operations backed by political influence.

The statement comes at a time when the government has announced plans to ban mining in water bodies and forest reserves, and is reviewing thousands of mining licenses issued over recent years.

Expert Perspective

As someone who served at the highest levels of government and shares the name of the late President John Evans Atta Mills,who was known for his environmental advocacy,Cadman Atta Mills' views carry significant weight in political and environmental circles.

His call for transparency in the licensing process and the revocation of improperly issued permits aligns with growing public demands for accountability in Ghana's mining sector and genuine protection of the country's water bodies and forest reserves.

The debate he has reignited raises fundamental questions about whether Ghana's approach to combating environmental destruction in mining areas has been targeting the right culprits, or whether more attention should be focused on regulating and potentially revoking licenses held by well-connected operators with heavy-duty equipment.