John Dramani Mahama announces $10bn plan to combat illegal mining

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a $10 billion New Economy Policy designed to address the illegal mining crisis by providing alternative livelihoods for Ghana’s youth. Speaking during a consultative meeting with the Western North Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House, the President emphasized that the persistent challenge of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, cannot be resolved through law enforcement alone. He expressed specific concern regarding the increasing number of young people, including senior high school students, who are being drawn into the sector due to financial constraints.

The President noted that economic hardship is a primary driver forcing students and young adults into hazardous mining activities. Under the proposed $10 billion framework, the government intends to create sustainable employment opportunities to wean the youth away from illegal mining. Mahama highlighted the construction industry as a key sector for job creation, citing recent economic initiatives that are already beginning to show positive growth forecasts and infrastructure development as evidence of the plan’s potential impact.

To ensure the success of this dual-track strategy—combining enforcement with economic alternatives—the President called for deeper cooperation with traditional leaders. He warned that without the active involvement of local chiefs and authorities, enforcement efforts often risk leading to violent confrontations between state security and local communities. By partnering with the Western North Regional House of Chiefs, the administration aims to foster a more stable environment for implementing these economic transitions and ensuring that regional development is prioritized.

In response, the chiefs of the Western North Region expressed their commitment to supporting the government’s development agenda and environmental protection efforts. This collaborative approach marks a strategic shift toward addressing the socioeconomic roots of the galamsey epidemic rather than relying solely on punitive measures. The rollout of the New Economy Policy is expected to serve as a cornerstone of the Mahama administration's plan to stabilize the regional economy and protect the nation’s natural resources for future generations.