A lecturer at the African University of Communications and Business, Peter Wonders, has commented on Ghana’s ongoing illegal mining (galamsey) crisis, suggesting that the people truly driving the menace are not the labourers seen at the sites but rather influential individuals operating behind the scenes.
Speaking on WTV’s Morning Show, Sore Na Hyeren, on October 7, 2025, Mr. Peter Wonders stated that those behind galamsey are “people in suits seated in offices,” not the ones physically working at the mining locations.
He explained that this is why illegal mining continues despite government interventions.
“The people behind galamsey are in suits sitting in their offices, not those at the sites,” he said. “The government can send military and police to seize equipment today, but the same site will be operating again the next day.”
Mr. Wonders made these remarks while commenting on the recent arrest of nine individuals accused of destroying parts of the Akyim-Bosamwere stretch of the Western Railway corridor. He cautioned against seeing those arrested as the main culprits, saying they are often the workers rather than the real financiers.
He also criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s administration for not taking firm and proactive steps to address the problem.
“I will never say the NDC government has done well in fighting galamsey,” he stated. “They have not been proactive as Ghanaians expected.”
According to him, the government has been reactive, allowing destruction to occur before taking action. He described the recent arrests as “needless”, adding that such delayed responses do not deserve praise.
“The government sat aloof and watched people destroy the railway before making arrests. That does not deserve any commendation,” he said.
Mr. Wonders further suggested that the government invest in drones and surveillance technology to monitor galamsey sites and gather accurate reports on illegal mining activities across the country’s forests and rivers.
His remarks have renewed conversations about accountability, enforcement, and political will in addressing the galamsey menace, which continues to threaten Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and agricultural lands.
Investigative Journalist & News Editor:
Contact: Editor@wesleyannews.com
Source: Wesleyannews.com
Do you have a story to share? Send it to our editorial team at editor@wesleyannews.com