With illegal mining continuing to wreak havoc on Ghana’s environment and water resources, President John Dramani Mahama is taking a bold step: inviting top civil society organizations to the seat of government for an urgent conversation on how to stop it.

The meeting, set for Friday, October 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Jubilee House, is being billed as a crucial moment for collaboration between government and civil society. At stake: Ghana’s forests, rivers, and the livelihoods of thousands who are being affected by galamsey, the local term for illegal small-scale mining.

In a letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the government said the session would offer a space for “frank and constructive dialogue” — and, hopefully, real solutions.

 “This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the statement read.

The move comes amid growing public frustration over the slow pace of progress in the fight against illegal mining. From polluted rivers to ravaged farmlands and decimated forest reserves, the environmental cost of galamsey has become impossible to ignore. Activists and local communities have repeatedly called for stronger action, and now it seems the Mahama administration is ready to listen.

Whether the dialogue leads to meaningful change remains to be seen. Past efforts to curb illegal mining have stumbled due to inconsistent enforcement, corruption, and lack of political will. But civil society leaders see this meeting as an opportunity to demand more accountability — and push for sustainable, community-driven solutions.

As the countdown begins to Friday’s engagement, all eyes will be on Jubilee House. Ghanaians are watching, and they want more than promises. They want action.