John Dramani Mahama’s Anniversary: Ghana’s Ecological Fight and Women’s Role. Accra, Ghana — December 30, 2025 Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama is celebrating his anniversary in office amidst a growing national debate on the country’s ecological challenges, particularly the illegal mining practice known as galamsey.
The discourse often overlooks the role of women in the fight against this environmental threat, according to a recent analysis by Charles Prempeh, a Research Fellow at the Centre for Cultural and African Studies.
Prempeh’s analysis delves into the complexities of gender, culture, and social expectations in the context of Ghana’s ecological harm. He argues that while women are often perceived as passive participants in society, they possess significant agency and influence, particularly in shaping social and ecological outcomes.
The president’s anniversary is marked by intensified conversations around galamsey, a practice that has severe environmental, social, and moral consequences.
Despite public anger and policy debates, the issue persists, fuelled by a reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths, Prempeh noted.
Prempeh emphasizes the need to move beyond simplistic gendered explanations and recognize the multifaceted role of women in Ghanaian society. He suggests that women’s expressive power, historically associated with nurturing and community, can be a powerful tool in reshaping men’s aspirations and redirecting destructive tendencies.
According to Prempeh, the bedroom — a private space that influences public life—can serve as a focal point for ecological consciousness.
By prioritizing values that emphasize life over wealth, women can influence men’s behavior and contribute to the fight against galamsey.
In October 2025, a conference in Accra brought together women scholars and theologians to discuss the potential contributions of women in combating galamsey.
The event highlighted the importance of historical figures, indigenous ethics, and ecofeminist perspectives in shaping a more sustainable future.
Prempeh’s analysis underscores the need for a moral realignment in addressing Ghana’s ecological crisis. He calls for women to leverage their soft power to guide society toward ecological responsibility and for men to respond with transcendental responsibility.
Ghana’s fight against galamsey is not just an economic or environmental struggle; it is a social and ontological one, requiring a comprehensive understanding of gender roles and their impact on ecological health.
As President Mahama’s leadership continues, the role of women in shaping Ghana’s future remains a critical aspect of the nation’s ecological journey. Charles Prempeh is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Cultural and African Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana.
