The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the government of failing to curb illegal mining, claiming that the practice popularly known as galamsey has increased under President John Dramani Mahama, with armed groups now occupying parts of Ghana’s forest reserves.

At a press briefing in Accra on March 26  2025, the party’s Director of Communications, Mr Richard Ahiagbah, claimed the government had “relinquished control” of several protected areas, particularly in the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western North regions.

According to him, some of these areas are now in the hands of armed men operating without resistance from the state.

“Illegal miners are operating with weapons inside forest reserves. In many of these places, the government has lost its grip. Communities are reporting the presence of armed men, and yet there is no serious response,” Mr Ahiagbah said.

He claimed satellite imagery and on-the-ground reports show that vast tracts of forest are being destroyed.

He blamed the development on the Mahama administration’s alleged lack of interest in tackling illegal mining.

Mr Ahiagbah also criticised agencies such as the Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, accusing them of standing by as Ghana’s environment deteriorates.

The NPP urged the government to take immediate steps, including the deployment of security forces to protect forest reserves and restore control over environmentally sensitive areas.