Dr. Joshua Zaato Questions Mahama’s ‘Listening President’ Label Amid Galamsey Crisis

Political analyst and University of Ghana lecturer, Dr. Joshua Zaato, has taken a sharp jab at President John Dramani Mahama, disputing the notion that the president is truly responsive to the public — especially regarding the fight against illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Appearing on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, Dr. Zaato said President Mahama has repeatedly ignored calls from respected institutions, including the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, undermining his image as a “listening president.”

“The Ghana Catholic Bishops told Mahama to declare a state of emergency, but he has not listened,” Zaato remarked. “He has been told to repeal the LI that allows mining in forest reserves, but he is not doing it. If he is a listening president, what kind of listening president is he?”

Debate Ignites Over Mahama’s Leadership Style

The comments came in response to remarks by Professor Ransford Gyampo, a political scientist and CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, who had praised Mahama’s consultative style.

Describing the president as a leader open to feedback, Prof. Gyampo insisted Mahama had shown evidence of revising policies after stakeholder engagement. Dr. Zaato, however, pushed back strongly.

“When calls are made repeatedly by respected institutions like the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference and are ignored, we cannot claim to have a listening leader,” he said.

Forest Mining Law Under Fire

At the heart of Dr. Zaato’s criticism is the Legislative Instrument (LI) that permits mining in forest reserves—a policy widely condemned by environmentalists, religious leaders, and civil society.

He argued that Mahama’s refusal to revoke the LI undermines public trust and signals leniency toward activities that destroy farmlands, pollute water bodies, and displace rural populations.

“Repealing that law would send a powerful message that this administration takes galamsey seriously,” Dr. Zaato added.

Tackling Political Complicity in Galamsey

While defending Mahama’s general leadership record, Prof. Gyampo admitted that political complicity remains a core challenge in tackling illegal mining.

“We can not continue to treat the issue of illegal mining as a surface problem. The people behind it are often the ones with political influence,” he warned.

Both analysts agreed that unless political actors benefiting from galamsey are confronted, progress will remain limited.

National Pressure Mounts

Public frustration continues to rise over the worsening environmental degradation linked to illegal mining. Analysts argue that Mahama’s response to calls from civil society, traditional leaders, and faith-based groups in the coming months will either validate or debunk his “listening president” label.

With the issue shaping up to be a key litmus test of leadership, Ghanaians await tangible actions — not just words — from the presidency.