Prof Appiagyei-Tuah: Doubts Ghana Galamsey Figures Reliability

• Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua stated that while some progress against galamsey has occurred, available data still points to an alarming situation.
• He cautioned against relying on government figures that lack adequate substantiation, emphasizing the need for credible evidence.
• President John Dramani Mahama reported the confiscation of over 8,200 illegal mining items, including 135 excavators and nearly 200 firearms.
• The government also plans to reclaim 5,000 acres of degraded land from 2027, backed by GH¢200 million.
• Professor Appiagyei-Atua's assessment reinforces calls for greater transparency and credible data to evaluate the anti-galamsey campaign's true impact.

Without reliable and transparent statistics, assessing the actual risks associated with galamsey, conducting thorough due diligence, or accurately evaluating the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks becomes exceedingly difficult.

Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, a Professor at the University of Ghana School of Law, recently cast doubt on the reliability of official figures concerning Ghana's campaign against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey. While acknowledging that some advancements have been made in curbing the illicit practice, Professor Appiagyei-Atua emphasized that the current data still paints a concerning picture of the situation. His remarks, made during an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, October 31, 2026, highlighted a critical need for Ghana illegal mining data accuracy to properly assess the effectiveness of ongoing interventions.

The legal scholar specifically cautioned against an over-reliance on government statistics that lack adequate substantiation. He argued that any assertions of galamsey progress claims Ghana must be firmly supported by verifiable and credible evidence. Professor Appiagyei-Atua noted that while information suggests the government has achieved certain gains, he questioned whether the figures being presented truly reflect the on-the-ground reality. He stated, "Definitely some progress has been made, but there are some figures that have been thrown about without evidence," underscoring the discrepancy between reported achievements and the perceived scale of the problem.

The Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua galamsey assessment arrives amidst a renewed public discourse regarding the efficacy of the government's various strategies to combat illegal mining. These strategies encompass a range of actions, including arrests of perpetrators, the seizure of equipment used in illicit operations, dedicated river protection initiatives, and ambitious plans for the reclamation of degraded lands. Despite these efforts, Professor Appiagyei-Atua maintained that other available figures continue to indicate that illegal mining remains a significant national concern for Ghana.

In detailing specific government actions, President John Dramani Mahama has publicly reported the confiscation of more than 8,200 items associated with illegal mining activities. This extensive list of seized materials includes 135 excavators, which are crucial for large-scale mining, and nearly 200 firearms, highlighting the often-violent nature of galamsey. Furthermore, President Mahama has outlined plans to restore 5,000 acres of land that have been degraded by illegal mining, with these reclamation efforts slated to commence from 2027 and supported by a substantial allocation of GH¢200 million. These John Dramani Mahama galamsey statistics represent the government's quantifiable efforts in the campaign.

The critical perspective offered by Prof Appiagyei-Atua Ghana galamsey figures significantly contributes to a growing chorus of calls for enhanced Ghana anti-galamsey campaign transparency. Stakeholders are increasingly demanding that the outcomes of the national anti-galamsey drive be reported with greater clarity and verifiable data. The absence of such credible data makes it challenging to accurately determine both the true extent of progress achieved and the remaining magnitude of the environmental threat posed by illegal mining.

This lack of substantiated data carries significant implications for various parties operating within Ghana, particularly those involved in environmental compliance, mining operations, or land use. Without reliable and transparent statistics, assessing the actual risks associated with galamsey, conducting thorough due diligence, or accurately evaluating the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks becomes exceedingly difficult. The discrepancy between official claims and the need for robust evidence, as highlighted by Professor Appiagyei-Atua, suggests potential gaps between reported success and the on-the-ground realities, which could affect strategic planning and risk mitigation for businesses and other entities.

Lawyers advising clients on environmental compliance, mining operations, or land use in Ghana should exercise caution when relying solely on official government statistics regarding galamsey eradication efforts. The lack of substantiated data, as highlighted by Prof. Appiagyei-Tuah, suggests potential discrepancies between reported progress and on-the-ground realities, which could impact due diligence, risk assessments, and the defense against regulatory actions.

Source: Original reporting via JoyNews