Sam George on Galamsey: From Opposition Firebrand to Government Realist

Ghana's long-running battle against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, has entered a new chapter. Samuel Nartey George, now the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, is at the center of a fascinating political shift. His journey from fierce opposition critic to government insider offers a masterclass in how perspective changes when responsibility arrives.

For years, Sam George was the loudest voice demanding action against galamsey. As an opposition MP during the previous administration, he accused the government of paying lip service to environmental protection. Today, he sits on the other side of the table, asking Ghanaians for patience. The question on everyone's mind: is this hypocrisy or realism?

What did Sam George say about galamsey while in opposition?

Sam George was relentless. In April 2021, he challenged then-President Nana Akufo-Addo directly. He called for real action instead of soundbites and demanded the president deal with his own party members allegedly involved in illegal mining.

Mr President, it is your party national executives and regional executives, your party people, your presidential staffers, your former ministers who are engaged in the galamsey menace. They are the people carrying out small-scale mining and destroying our water bodies. So Mr President, put your money where your mouth is. If you want to fight galamsey, deal with your own appointees. Stop giving us soundbites and give us real action.

He also questioned the importation of excavators, the machines that make large-scale illegal mining possible. His logic was simple: if the government controls the ports, why are these machines getting through?

How has Sam George's position changed since joining government?

The political landscape shifted after the 2024 elections. President John Dramani Mahama took office in January 2025, and Sam George moved from opposition benches to the corridors of power. His tone has evolved, though his commitment to fighting galamsey remains clear.

In 2025, he argued it is unfair to expect President Mahama to end galamsey within 96 days. His reasoning? When he criticised Akufo-Addo, that president had nearly eight years in office. The context, he says, is completely different.

When I made those comments about President Akufo-Addo, I didn't make those comments at the beginning of his term. I made those comments about three months to the end of his term.

He points to the scale of the challenge. Cleaning up an entrenched problem takes time. He acknowledges more needs to be done but asks for a fair timeline.

Is Sam George's galamsey defence justified?

This is where the debate gets interesting. Sam George's critics see a politician who has softened his stance now that he is in power. His supporters see a leader who understands the complexity of governance from the inside.

The facts support both readings. Galamsey remains a serious threat to Ghana's water bodies, forests and communities. The Pra and Densu rivers, which Sam George once described as looking like chocolate drinks, have not fully recovered. He himself admits the fight is far from over.

Am I excited about where our country is with galamsey? Hell no, absolutely not. I think that a lot more has to be done.

He points to the leadership of Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as a positive sign. There has been a noticeable shift in recent months, he says.

What does the galamsey fight mean for Ghana's future?

Beyond the political drama, the galamsey issue is about Ghana's economic future. Illegal mining destroys water bodies that supply communities and agriculture. It poisons rivers, degrades forests and threatens public health. The cost is measured not just in cedis but in the health and livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.

For the diaspora watching from abroad, this matters. Ghana's natural resources are a key part of its economic potential. Responsible mining, done legally and sustainably, can generate revenue and jobs. Illegal mining undermines that potential.

The good news is that the conversation has shifted. There is now a broader recognition that galamsey is not just an environmental issue but an economic one. The government is under pressure to deliver results, and the public is watching closely.

What can we expect next in the fight against galamsey?

The Mahama administration has signalled its commitment to tackling the issue. Operation Vanguard and other interventions are being reviewed and strengthened. The focus is on enforcement, community engagement and alternative livelihoods for those dependent on illegal mining.

Sam George's role as Communications Minister gives him a platform to shape the narrative. He has been clear that the fight is not over. The question is whether the government can deliver the results that match its rhetoric.

For now, the contrast between Sam George the opposition MP and Sam George the minister is a reminder of how governance works. The urgency of opposition gives way to the pragmatism of office. Whether that is a good thing depends on results.

Ghana's water bodies, forests and communities are waiting. The clock is ticking.

Frequently asked questions about Sam George and galamsey

Why did Sam George criticise Akufo-Addo so harshly on galamsey?

Sam George believed the former president had enough time in office to tackle illegal mining but failed to deliver. He accused the NPP government of protecting party members involved in galamsey and called for decisive action against them.

What is Sam George's current position on galamsey?

As Communications Minister, Sam George acknowledges galamsey remains a serious problem. He argues the Mahama administration needs more time to clean up the mess left by eight years of the previous government. He has pointed to progress under the current leadership.

Has galamsey decreased under the Mahama administration?

Sam George has indicated there has been a noticeable shift in recent months, crediting the leadership of the Lands and Natural Resources Minister. However, he admits more needs to be done and the fight is far from over.

What are the economic impacts of galamsey in Ghana?

Galamsey destroys water bodies, degrades forests and harms public health. This affects agriculture, fishing and tourism, all key sectors of Ghana's economy. Sustainable legal mining offers a better path to economic growth and job creation.