President John Dramani Mahama has declared illegal mining (galamsey) a national emergency and has, therefore, ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals impersonating members of the anti-galamsey task force to extort money from legitimate small-scale miners.
He issued the directive during his Thank You Tour of the Western North Region at Juaboso, where he warned that criminal elements hiding behind state operations will not be tolerated.
President Mahama said that the National Task Force would intensify its operations, particularly in forest reserves and water bodies.
“Illegal mining is destroying our environment, polluting our water sources and threatening livelihoods.
We cannot allow criminals to exploit this crisis by posing as law enforcement to extort innocent miners.
“Let me be clear: Anyone caught impersonating task force members or engaging in illegal mining will face the full rigours of the law. This is a national emergency, and we will treat it as such,” he added.
Incentive for cocoa farmers
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring cocoa farmers receive 70 per cent of the world market price for their produce.
“Our cocoa farmers are the backbone of this nation. My government will ensure they get at least 70 per cent of the world market price. They deserve better, and we will deliver on that promise,” he said.
President Mahama stressed the need to reward farmers fairly for their hard work and contribution to the country’s economy.
The President’s strong stance comes amid growing concerns over environmental degradation and economic losses linked to galamsey, as well as long-standing grievances from cocoa farmers over low producer prices.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is expected to roll out new measures to boost cocoa farmers’ earnings.
Allowance
President Mahama also announced the disbursement of GH¢25 million in allowances to assembly members across the country for the first quarter of 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen local governance.
“The funds have been sent to your various district assemblies, and you will soon receive your payments,” he said.
The announcement was greeted with applause from assembly members who were present at the gathering.
The move is expected to boost morale among local representatives who play a critical role in grassroots development.
Industrialisation agenda
The President further highlighted the central role the Western North Region played in the government’s industrialisation agenda.
He said the government would prioritise cocoa processing, palm oil, rice milling and timber value addition in the region.
A major oil palm cultivation project
The President said the government, in partnership with the African Development Bank, would launch a nationwide project to cultivate some 200,000 hectares of land, with significant acreage expected in the Western North Region.
In line with that, he appealed to traditional leaders to release lands for the initiative.
President Mahama also announced the impending launch of the Youth Enterprise and Employment Scheme (YES) in September, this year to support at least 1,000 young people in the region with training, start-up capital and mentorship.
On education, he reminded first-year students that the “No Fee Stress Policy” portal remained open, and that those who paid fees would receive refunds via Mobile Money, while the Student Loan Trust Fund would also cover their academic fees from September.
The President said the appointment of several Western North natives to key positions, including the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Samson Ahi, were evidence of the region’s growing influence in national affairs.
