The Ministry of the Interior has dismissed claims that President John Dramani Mahama admitted to knowing members of his administration who are involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking on Joy Prime's morning show on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Ministry's Press Secretary and Spokesperson, Julius Kwame Anthony, said reports suggesting the President made such a statement are false and misrepresent his comments on the fight against illegal mining.

According to Anthony, President Mahama has never claimed to know government officials engaged in galamsey, stressing that the narrative circulating in sections of the public is inaccurate.

"President Mahama has never, and I am setting that record, has never said that he knows members of his administration who are involved in galamsey," he stated.

Anthony explained that the President's actual comments had been taken out of context.

He said President Mahama had acknowledged that illegal mining has become deeply entrenched over the years with well-established operators who remain active regardless of which political party is in power.

He added that the President said these individuals often approach newly appointed government officials whenever there is a change in administration, introducing themselves and attempting to continue their illegal activities under the new leadership.

It was in that context, he noted, that President Mahama remarked that he would not deceive himself into believing that some members of his administration might not be approached or become involved. 

Anthony stressed that this is entirely different from saying the President knows specific officials engaged in illegal mining.

His clarification comes amid heightened public discussions following the conviction of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontomi, over illegal mining-related offences, a development that has reignited debate over political accountability in the fight against galamsey.

Anthony said it was important to set the record straight to prevent the public from drawing the wrong conclusions from the President's remarks.

Illegal mining remains one of Ghana's most pressing environmental challenges with its devastating impact on forests, water bodies and farmlands continuing to fuel calls for stronger enforcement and greater accountability.

The Ministry's clarification is expected to calm speculation surrounding the President's position regarding those involved in galamsey.