A video circulating on social media has sparked public outrage after showing the Deputy Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and his deputy allegedly clashing with individuals linked to a Municipal Chief Executive’s (MCE) office while attempting to stop illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
According to information accompanying the footage, the NADMO officials were on the ground as part of efforts to halt ongoing galamsey operations when they were reportedly prevented from carrying out their work by persons believed to be acting on instructions from the MCE’s office. The confrontation is said to have escalated to the point where official vehicles were involved in blocking or confronting each other.
The incident comes at a time when Ghana has officially launched a renewed “Stop Galamsey” campaign, with political leaders, government agencies, and local authorities publicly pledging their commitment to ending illegal mining and protecting the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.
However, despite these commitments, illegal mining activities continue in several parts of the country, with rivers and streams still being polluted and farmlands destroyed. The video has raised serious questions about internal resistance and conflicting interests within local governance structures, even as national leaders vow to fight the menace.
Many Ghanaians reacting online have expressed frustration, arguing that the fight against galamsey cannot succeed if some officials are perceived to be shielding or enabling illegal miners while others are risking their positions to enforce the law.
Environmental advocates warn that continued galamsey activities pose a long-term threat to Ghana’s water supply, public health, and future generations, stressing that enforcement must be consistent, coordinated, and free from political interference.
As public attention grows around the video, many are calling on the appropriate authorities to investigate the incident, clarify the roles of those involved, and demonstrate genuine commitment to the national anti-galamsey agenda.
