Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, has voiced his conviction that illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, could be entirely eradicated if President Nana Akufo-Addo took firm and decisive measures.

Speaking during an interview on the Ghana Kasa show with Kweku Ofosu, Dr. Ayariga argued that the ongoing galamsey operations continue because the government permits them.

He further stated that those in positions of authority are the very individuals facilitating and enabling these illegal mining activities.

“If the government truly wanted to stop galamsey, all the president needs to do is make one phone call, and it will end,” Dr. Ayariga said, stressing that without government approval, illegal mining wouldn’t flourish.

He further alleged that foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens involved in galamsey, have government backing. “The Chinese involved in galamsey don’t just arrive in Ghana by themselves; they are here with permits that go through government channels—most politicians in Ghana support galamsey. There’s no way galamsey would happen without government approval,” he asserted.

He concluded by stressing that those in power are the sponsors behind both large-scale and small-scale illegal mining. Dr. Ayariga called on the government to take action if it is truly committed to ending galamsey.