A Presidential Staffer with the Black Stars Experience, Rex Owusu Marfo, also known as Rex Omar, has expressed concern over the negative impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s international reputation.

Speaking on the Citizens' Show with Kwabena Bobie Ansah on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Mr. Owusu Marfo noted that galamsey activities continue to threaten not only the country’s environment but also efforts to market Ghana positively to the world through national initiatives such as the Black Stars Experience.

“Galamsey is undermining our efforts to promote Ghana’s image globally through the Black Stars Experience,” he stated.

The Black Stars Experience is a flagship programme aimed at leveraging the influence of Ghana’s national football team to boost tourism, investment, and national pride.

Mr. Owusu Marfo emphasised that environmental degradation caused by galamsey contradicts the image of a clean, vibrant, and progressive Ghana that the government seeks to project internationally.

He further called for collective national action to combat illegal mining, stressing that protecting Ghana’s natural resources is essential to preserving the country’s global standing and ensuring the success of major branding initiatives.