The Forestry Commission has voiced concern over what it describes as persistent political interference hampering efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
According to the Commission, enforcement operations are sometimes undermined by political actors, including regional ministers who question the presence of forestry officials in their jurisdictions without prior notification.
Speaking at an end-of-year media briefing in Accra on Monday, December 15, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, said such interventions weaken the fight against environmental degradation and embolden illegal miners.
“In the discharge of our duties, we sometimes face political interference. You have regional ministers calling you, asking why you sent a team to their region without their knowledge,” he said.
Dr Brown stressed that the Forestry Commission operates under a national mandate and should be allowed to carry out its responsibilities without undue influence.
He warned that continued interference risks reversing gains made in protecting forest reserves and water bodies.
Dr Brown urged political leaders to support, rather than obstruct, enforcement agencies, emphasising that the fight against galamsey requires firm political will and institutional independence to succeed.
CNR
