Politics Sabotaging War on Galamsey – Forestry Commission Raises Alarm
CEO warns political meddling is emboldening illegal miners and threatening gains in forest and water body protection
- The Forestry Commission says actions by some political actors, including regional ministers, are undermining anti-galamsey operations
- According to the Commission, political meddling weakens law enforcement and encourages illegal mining activities
- The Commission is urging political leaders to respect its national mandate and support the fight against environmental degradation
The Forestry Commission has raised serious concerns over ongoing political interference that it says is weakening the national fight against illegal mining, widely referred to as galamsey.
The Commission disclosed that some enforcement activities are being disrupted by political figures, including regional ministers who challenge forestry officials for operating within their regions without advance notice.
Addressing journalists at an end-of-year media briefing in Accra on Monday, December 15, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, lamented that such actions undermine environmental protection efforts and give illegal miners the confidence to continue their activities.
Dr Brown revealed that forestry officers are sometimes questioned or confronted by political authorities while carrying out lawful operations, despite the Commission’s nationwide mandate.
He emphasised that the Forestry Commission is empowered to operate across the country and should be allowed to perform its duties independently, without political pressure or obstruction.
The CEO warned that persistent interference could erode the progress made in safeguarding forest reserves and water bodies, stressing that the fight against galamsey can only succeed with strong political backing, respect for institutions, and unwavering enforcement of the law.
