The President of IMANI Africa,Franklin Cudjoe, has issued a pointed critique of the Ghanaian government’s approach to combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. In a post on his official X account, Cudjoe called on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that the fight against galamsey is backed by adequate funding and genuine commitment.
Cudjoe revealed that only GHS8 million out of a GHS50 million budgeted allocation has reportedly been disbursed since March 2025, describing the shortfall as troubling and counterproductive.
“It is counterintuitive for GoldBod to be doing so well buying all types of gold while resources for the fight against illegal mining are pitifully inadequate,” he wrote.
He further criticized the disconnect between the government’s public stance and its financial priorities, warning against symbolic gestures that lack substance. In a striking metaphor, he stated:
“We should not act like the proverbial part-time Christian who attempts to fight a full-time devil. Galamsey is not a demon. It is the devil.”
Cudjoe’s remarks come ahead of a high-level civil society meeting convened by President Mahama to discuss sustainable solutions to illegal mining. While acknowledging the importance of dialogue, Cudjoe emphasized that action must follow words, and that the government must be held accountable for measurable progress.
The post has sparked widespread discussion online, with many echoing his call for transparency, , urgency and a more strategic allocation of resources in the fight against environmental degradation.
