The Minority in Parliament reported that at least 17 individuals died between January and July 2025 as a result of illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
The caucus blamed these deaths on weak law enforcement and what they see as a lack of political will by the government. These failures continue to threaten lives and harm the environment.
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Akwasi Konadu, Deputy Ranking Member of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, made a statement in Parliament. He urged immediate action to address illegal mining and its harmful effects on people and the environment.
“From January to July 2025, Ghana recorded at least 17 fatalities directly associated with galamsey activities. These figures are not just statistics; they represent Ghanaian lives — breadwinners, mothers, sons, and daughters lost to the reckless pursuit of unregulated mineral wealth,” Mr. Konadu remarked.
He expressed concern that despite numerous alerts, the government has not succeeded in implementing effective measures to avert such calamities.
“Mr. Speaker, how many lives must be sacrificed before urgent and decisive action is undertaken? The ongoing loss of life and environmental degradation is a direct result of ineffective law enforcement, a lack of political will, and, in some cases, the complicity of certain state actors and traditional leaders,” he further stated.
The Minority called upon the government to enhance enforcement efforts, prosecute violators, and show a sincere commitment to eradicating the harmful practice that continues to jeopardize communities, water resources, and livelihoods throughout the nation.
