President John Dramani Mahama has vowed to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining in Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama stressed in a Facebook post that combating galamsey is essential to the nation’s survival and that it is impossible to ruin the environment while claiming to be building the future.
Additionally, President Mahama praised journalists who have devoted their life to uncovering environmental atrocities, including Erastus Asare Donkor.
“The fight against illegal mining (galamsey) is not a matter of convenience; it is essential for our survival. We cannot destroy our environment while claiming to build our future,” he wrote.
“I commend journalists like Erastus Asare Donkor, who expose environmental crimes at great personal risk. For this administration, we are not just fighting galamsey; we are also creating alternatives, including recruiting more volunteers for the Tree for Life Reforestation Programme and Blue Water Guards to protect our rivers,” he added.
He went on to describe the steps his administration has taking to fight the threat of illicit mining throughout the nation, including as enlisting volunteers for the Tree for Life Reforestation Program and Blue Water Guards to safeguard rivers.
The president also revealed other options, such the National Apprenticeship Programme, which aims to give young people, especially those in mining districts, sustainable jobs.
However, the president issued a warning, threatening to take severe measures against communities that attack public workers carrying out their official duties.
“To communities that attack public officials performing lawful duties, we will take firm action. To our youth, we are creating alternative opportunities, including the National Apprenticeship Programme, to provide you with sustainable jobs. Let’s choose sustainable livelihoods over environmental destruction. I assure you, as your president, that I will NEVER give up this fight against illegal mining,” he added.
Social media reactions:
Larv Yendaw: See how constructively the President communicates without politicizing the situation or speaking negatively about Erastus Asare Donkor, unlike some members of the NDC who criticize him simply for doing his job. He may not be perfect—just like anyone else—but this statement from the president shows true leadership. I’m proud to be a Ghanaian
MacDonald Quarshie: Mr. President, your passion is clear, but please ensure your appointees match your energy. This is the kind of leadership Ghana needs — firm, focused, and forward-thinking. 
. Please ensure the Tree for Life and Blue Water Guards are well funded and transparent. Mahama for life!!!
Abu Ibrahim Azebre: John Dramani Mahama Excellency, please, tackle this problem with the chiefs. They are the major stumbling blocks. If the chiefs are willing and ready, galamsay will end in just few days. The voice of the chiefs is more powerful and fearful than the whole military.
Kobby Appiah: John Dramani Mahama Mr. President, the youth are watching this galamsey fight closely. If you truly crack it down fair-fair, big men and small boys included, we the youth will hand Ghana back to you with our full strength. We’ll back you for another 8 years sef… stronger than apartheid, in Wutumi’s voice! 
Otumfuo once told NADAA and he failed. he said you don’t need anything all you need now is good name. So the legacy is now in your hands. Please give us a victory that will be remembered like Nkrumah’s own.
We’re happy to see you back, our ordained President. Let’s protect Ghana together. 
#ResettingGhana
