NDC Western Youth Wing backs gov’t fight against galamsey

The Western Regional Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has backed the government’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and called for strict enforcement of Ghana’s mining and environmental laws.

The call was made in resolutions adopted at the Youth Wing’s 2nd Quadrennial Regional Youth Conference, held at the Takoradi Technical University Auditorium on August 7 and 8, 2026.

The group said protecting the country’s forests, rivers and farmlands must remain a priority, while supporting efforts by the government to promote responsible and sustainable mining.

The conference expressed its support for the government’s anti-illegal mining measures under President John Dramani Mahama and Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

“The Conference expressed its full support for all lawful and sustained efforts by the Government of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama and, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to combat illegal mining while promoting responsible and sustainable mineral resource development.”

However, the Youth Wing said the effectiveness of the fight would depend on consistent enforcement of the law and urged state institutions to act without political interference.

“The Conference called on all state institutions, particularly law enforcement and regulatory agencies, to enforce the country’s mining and environmental laws impartially, professionally, and without fear or favour.”

They also called for greater support for licensed small-scale miners through access to training, appropriate technology and environmentally sustainable mining practices.

The group further identified youth unemployment as one of the factors pushing some young people into illegal mining and called for increased investment in alternative livelihood opportunities.

“Recognising that unemployment contributes to youth participation in illegal mining, the Conference called for expanded investments in skills development, entrepreneurship, agribusiness, fisheries, tourism, and other sustainable livelihood opportunities for young people.”

The Western NDC Youth Wing also resolved to intensify public education and community engagement on the environmental, economic and health consequences of illegal mining as part of efforts to build stronger community support for the fight against galamsey.