GFL Secretary-General Backs President Mahama’s Strategic Approach to Galamsey Fight
The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) Abraham Koomson has expressed strong support for President John Dramani Mahama’s measured approach to tackling illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking during an interview on Ahotor FM’s “Yepe Ahunu show monitored by mrwoodw.com on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Koomson argued that declaring a state of emergency would be an overly blunt tool in addressing the complex and deep-rooted issue of illegal mining in Ghana.
Instead, he called for the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, describing it as a more strategic and sustainable measure in the ongoing fight against galamsey. According to him, the regulation has proven to be counterproductive and is hindering efforts to curb the menace effectively.
Instead of a hasty declaration of a state of emergency which may not holistically address the galamsey menace the repeal of L.I. 2462 by Parliament under a certificate of urgency will be more appropriate, Koomson stated.
His comments follow President Mahama’s recent remarks during a media engagement where the President acknowledged the increasing public pressure for decisive action but emphasized that a state of emergency should remain a last resort.
President Mahama noted that Ghana’s current legal framework already grants sufficient authority to clamp down on illegal mining operations and that what is required is effective enforcement.
Koomson echoed this sentiment stressing the importance of consistent law enforcement to bring lasting order to mining communities and safeguard the nation’s environment.
Once the existing laws and regulations are enforced without hesitation, the mining environment will be sanitized, and our forests and water bodies preserved,” he said.
The GFL Secretary-General believes that effective enforcement of current laws combined with the repeal of L.I. 2462, would provide a more focused and enduring solution to the galamsey crisis without resorting to emergency powers that may not address the root causes of the issue.
As calls for tougher action continue to mount, Koomson’s stance highlights the importance of balancing urgency with strategy in confronting one of Ghana’s most persistent environmental and social challenges.