President John Dramani Mahama has issued a stern warning to communities and individuals obstructing the work of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Task Force (NAIMOS), declaring that his administration will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who attacks or intimidates the team.

Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, President Mahama said the government’s fight against illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—is a national duty that will not be derailed by lawless elements protecting illegal miners.

“Let me sound this clear warning,” the President said firmly. “To the communities that are attacking government officials and the NAIMOS task force, we will come for you. The state will not stand idly by while people undermine our efforts to save our rivers, forests, and farmlands.”

Mahama’s comments come in response to a recent surge in violent confrontations between residents and security personnel carrying out anti-galamsey operations in parts of the Ashanti, Western, and Eastern Regions.

In one incident near Obuasi, a convoy of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials and journalists covering an operation was ambushed by a mob believed to be protecting illegal miners.

The attack forced the team to withdraw, and in a separate development at Afari, a vehicle carrying reporters crashed while retreating from the scene, leaving several injured—two critically.

Interesting, Mahama in opposition promise to grant amnesty to the youth arrested in the illegal mining activities and goes after the kingpin but now in government the story is different.

President Mahama expressed deep concern over such acts, describing them as an attack on the state and on Ghana’s collective effort to safeguard the environment.

He disclosed that the Chief of Staff has been directed to ensure that all medical bills of the affected journalists are fully covered by the government.

“Those who are fighting NAIMOS and attacking security personnel are fighting Ghana,” Mahama said.

“We will not relent in pursuing justice. The environment belongs to all of us, and we must protect it together—not destroy it for temporary gain.”

The President reaffirmed that his government’s anti-galamsey strategy combines law enforcement, environmental reclamation, and sustainable job creation.

He cited the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, Feed Ghana Programme, Poultry Revitalisation Plan, and the National Apprenticeship Programme as part of a comprehensive policy to provide alternative livelihoods for people who depend on illegal mining for survival.

“Through these initiatives, we are creating pathways for our youth to earn a living without destroying our rivers and forests,” he said.

“But let no one think that because we are offering jobs, we will tolerate sabotage. The law will deal with those who choose confrontation over cooperation.”

President Mahama also revealed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has commenced a 1,000-hectare pilot land reclamation project under a public-private partnership.

The initiative aims to restore degraded mining lands by planting fast-growing economic trees, such as oil palm, while targeting a total reclamation of 30,000 hectares across major galamsey-affected areas.

He used the occasion to commend journalists who have exposed illegal mining operations despite facing threats, singling out Erastus Asare Donkoh and Ohemeng Tawiah for their fearless environmental reporting.

“Your courage keeps the nation honest,” Mahama said, while emphasizing that journalists must also maintain accuracy and fairness in their work.

The President cautioned that while freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, it must not be used to spread misinformation that could endanger lives or national operations.

He therefore reaffirmed his government’s support for the Cybersecurity Amendment Bill 2025 and the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill, explaining that the proposed laws are meant to protect truth and safety—not silence the media.