President John Dramani Mahama has called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to maintain strong criticism and advocacy in the national campaign against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.

Addressing CSOs at the Presidency on Friday, President Mahama stressed that government needs constant pressure from stakeholders to remain resolute in protecting the country’s forests, rivers, and lands from destruction.

“We need your criticism. We need your advocacy. We need your pressure. Continue to put our feet to the fire, because that will encourage us to also continue to work harder,” the president said.

He reaffirmed his personal commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources for future generations and vowed to hold his ministers, particularly the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, accountable.

“As president, I will also continue to put pressure on my lands ministry and all ministries involved to ensure we can hand over to our children and grandchildren an environment as our great-grandfathers handed over to us,” he emphasised.

President Mahama lamented the devastation caused by illegal mining, warning that the nation risks losing its heritage if urgent measures are not sustained.

“They gave us a beautiful country with forests, trees, and rivers. We should not hand over poisoned rivers and desecrated forests to our children and grandchildren,” he said.

The meeting brought together CSOs, religious leaders, and government officials for an open dialogue. Participants raised critical questions, shared suggestions, and pledged support toward finding lasting solutions to the galamsey menace.