A Presidential Staffer, Dr. Samuel Ayeh, has expressed concern that the spread of misinformation is weakening the government’s ongoing fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He cautioned that false narratives, particularly those pushed by individuals presenting themselves as independent voices or experts, are distorting public understanding of the government’s efforts.
“We saw a situation where even when the military was moving excavators from the port to Shai Hills, we had people saying we are bringing in excavators for galamsey,” he noted. “How can you fight galamsey with this level of misinformation in the system?”
He acknowledged that public scepticism is expected but stressed that the government remains determined to address the problem decisively.
“Everybody can be sceptical, that is fair, but the point is that President Mahama is focused and committed to winning the fight,” he said on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Monday, October 6.
Dr. Ayeh further highlighted the efforts of both President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, describing their approach as evidence of clear leadership and dedication.
“With the commitment that the President and the Lands Minister have shown, we will win the fight,” he affirmed.
While the government has intensified its clampdown on the activity, deploying security forces and introducing stricter regulations, Dr. Ayeh warned that these efforts could be undermined if misinformation continues to shape public perceptions and sow doubt about the sincerity of the fight.
