Ghana Medical Association Threatens to Kick Out Gov't Over Galamsey Menace
- The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has threatened to vote out politicians who fail to act against illegal mining
- GMA President, Dr Frank Serebour, said political pressure is more effective than strike actions to fight galamsey
- President John Mahama has said that he would declare a state of emergency over galamsey only when necessary
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has threatened to use the ballot to hold the government accountable in the fight against illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey.
Speaking to Citi News on Thursday, September 18, 2025, GMA President, Dr Frank Serebour, expressed concerns over the lack of bold leadership from the political class to decisively deal with the galamsey menace.
Source: Facebook
He explained that the GMA had joined the fight against illegal mining to protect public health and reduce preventable disease burdens.
Dr Serebour further stated that despite promises to curb the menace, illegal mining remains widespread in many communities across the country.
The GMA leader stated that political pressure, like threats to kick out governments from office, was more effective in holding politicians accountable than strike actions.
As a result of this, he said the GMA will intensify advocacy and public mobilisation to demand concrete action from political leaders to tackle galamsey.
“When the GMA asked political parties to declare their positions and sign a pact, we wanted clarity on where they stand. Some called for strike action, but strikes aren’t sustainable.
"The only consequence politicians fear is electoral loss. My message is: if you don’t fight it, we’ll boot you out. We should continue to apply pressure. We will continue to talk and to advocate,” he added.
Ghanaians demand state of emergency on galamsey
Illegal mining activities have worsened over the years, causing serious havoc in Ghana's forest reserves and water bodies.
As a result of this, many Ghanaians have called on the government to declare a state of emergency on galamsey.
Speaking during his first media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, President Mahama acknowledged the growing calls for drastic action in the fight against illegal mining.
However, the President stated he would only declare a state of emergency on galamsey when it becomes necessary.
Journalist questions Mahama's galamsey fight commitment
Meanwhile, renowned Ghanaian investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has questioned President Mahama's commitment to the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He stated that there is a lack of leadership and desire on the part of the president to end the galamsey menace, which is causing havoc to Ghana's water bodies and forest reserves.
"He has been very disappointing. The decay did not start in the last eight years of Akufo-Addo, as the president said. I was a journalist when President Mahama was president. In his first term, I did not see the seriousness in fighting the menace. And his body language doesn't seem to show that it will be any different," he stated.
Source: Getty Images
Ghanaians risk losing clean water over galamsey
YEN.com.gh also reported that the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) issued a warning on the devastating impact of illegal mining.
According to the coalition, a staggering 20 million Ghanaians were at risk of losing their access to clean water due to the galamsey menace.
The coalition further warned that water tariffs could rise by 280 per cent, imposing a serious economic hardship on ordinary citizens.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
