President John Dramani Mahama will meet with leading civil society organizations on Friday in a high-level push to address Ghana’s ongoing illegal mining crisis, the presidency said.

The closed-door meeting, scheduled for October 3 at noon at the Jubilee House, is expected to gather key government officials and civil society leaders for what the administration describes as a “frank and constructive dialogue” on the country’s escalating environmental challenge.

Illegal small-scale mining—locally known as galamsey—has drawn mounting public concern amid its widespread destruction of rivers, forests, and farmland. The sector, largely unregulated, has come under increasing scrutiny from environmental groups, traditional leaders, and international observers, who cite its contribution to water pollution and deforestation.

In a formal invitation signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the government stressed the need for “collective expertise and perspectives” to tackle the issue.

“This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter said.

The Mahama administration has come under pressure to take firmer action against illegal mining operators, many of whom operate with impunity in rural communities. Previous attempts at regulation and enforcement have met with limited success, amid allegations of political interference and local resistance.

Analysts say Friday’s dialogue could signal a new phase in the government’s approach, potentially paving the way for broader policy reforms or renewed enforcement efforts. Civil society leaders are expected to press for greater transparency, community engagement, and sustained political will to curb the practice.

The meeting marks one of the highest-profile initiatives yet under Mahama’s renewed leadership to stem the damage caused by galamsey—a problem that has long resisted lasting solutions.

Source:TheDotNews