If You Don’t Fight Galamsey, We’ll Vote You Out” – Ghana Medical Association Warns Government
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has issued a strong warning to Ghana’s political leaders, threatening to campaign against any government that fails to deal decisively with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, September 18, 2025, GMA President Dr. Frank Serebour said the association is ready to use its influence to push politicians to act. He argued that galamsey is not just an environmental concern but a pressing public health crisis, polluting water bodies and exposing communities to dangerous chemicals such as mercury.
Dr. Serebour stressed that Ghanaians must hold leaders accountable through the ballot box rather than waiting for professional groups to embark on strikes. “The only consequence politicians fear is electoral loss,” he said, urging voters to assess parties based on how seriously they tackle the menace.
The GMA has also called on all political parties to state clear positions on illegal mining and commit to a binding pact to fight it. According to Dr. Serebour, such commitments will make it harder for leaders to backtrack when they assume office.
While the association has occasionally resorted to industrial action in the past to demand reforms in the health sector, its leadership believes a more sustainable approach is to mobilise public opinion to pressure governments into protecting the environment and safeguarding health.
President John Mahama has noted the growing calls for a tougher stance on illegal mining, including suggestions for a state of emergency, but said such a decision would be made only if he considers it necessary.
The GMA insists that with illegal mining threatening the country’s rivers, farmlands and public health, politicians must demonstrate real resolve or face electoral consequences in 2028.
